Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex 19593 South 48th St Chandler, AZ 85226 Phoenix Rising FC website Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 10,000 Rising As One To see this review in English, please click this link Phoenix Rising FC es un club de fútbol de la USL-C, el segundo nivel de fútbol en los Estados Unidos, un escalón por debajo de la MLS (Major League Soccer). El club comenzó a operar en 2014 como Arizona United SC y se renombró como Phoenix Rising FC en 2017. El equipo ha tenido bastante éxito en los últimos años al hacerse con el título de la temporada regular del Campeonato de la USL en 2019. Llegaron a la final de los playoffs del Campeonato en 2108 y 2020 (que desafortunadamente se canceló debido a COVID) y los cuartos de final de los playoffs en 2021. El club se mudó de su hogar previo en Scottsdale a un nuevo estadio en Wild Horse Pass en la Gila River Indian Community en Chandler, AZ. El primer partido que se jugó allí fue el 30 de abril de 2021. Los fanáticos tuvieron reacciones varias sobre el movimiento, en gran parte debido a su ubicación en el Valle. A algunos les resulta más fácil llegar al nuevo estadio; otros no tanto. Independientemente de dónde viva en el Valle, asistir a un partido es una velada agradable, por lo que lo alentamos a que vea uno. Recomendamos al principio de la primavera o en el otoño, ya que las temperaturas son más cómodas durante esas épocas del año en el área metropolitana de Phoenix. Food & Beverage / Comida y Bebida 5 Las ofertas de concesión de camiones de comida y quioscos de concesión tienen mucho para que los fanáticos del fútbol se den un gusto. Los alimentos se venden afuera del área de asientos del estadio (excepto las secciones VIP) con puestos en los lados este, sur y oeste. Una gran área de picnic llamada The Park está en el jardín sur (cerca de la entrada) que ofrece muchas mesas de picnic y una fila de tentadoras opciones de comida y bebida. El complejo tiene muchas opciones adicionales en el lado oeste, con algunas más en el lado este. Los fanáticos no pasarán hambre ni sed. Espere colas en las concesiones, especialmente antes del partido y el medio tiempo. Varios puestos ofrecen tacos ($3 cada uno), burritos, nachos, quesadillas, papas fritas, guacamole y papas fritas, alitas ($3 – $15). Maya’s Cajun Kitchen vende comida vegana. Las opciones de hot dogs y salchichas cuestan entre $8 y $12. Sonoran Grillz vende variedades de hamburguesas con queso, filetes de pollo y sándwiches, y canastas de camarones ($12 – $18). Mobile Pizza tiene pizza a la leña (desde queso y pepperoni hasta hawaiana y todo lo demás) por $14. Hielo raspado, pastel de embudo, maíz tostado y pretzels suaves son solo algunos de los refrigerios disponibles. Los refrescos y el agua generalmente cuestan $3 o $4. Las bebidas para adultos cuestan $ 10 por cócteles a $ 11 por cerveza premium de 24 oz. Los puestos venden una variedad de opciones de cerveza en latas, no solo marcas nacionales. Nuestra recomendación es caminar primero por el estadio para ver todas las opciones antes de decidir qué comprar. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 4 ¡Los juegos de fútbol de Phoenix Rising FC son divertidos! La organización hace un gran trabajo al proporcionar un ambiente familiar con fanáticos apasionados pero no rebeldes, un campo para que los jóvenes corran y un juego entretenido. El locutor PA es fantástico. Absolutamente excepcional. Él llama a la alineación claramente y lentamente en inglés; es fácil de escuchar y entender. El volumen de la música está bien; es fácil tener una conversación con tu vecino sin tener que gritar sobre la música. Aún mejor, apagan la música cuando anuncian la alineación inicial. Algunas organizaciones de béisbol deberían tomar nota de esto. Dentro del estadio, los asientos están en los cuatro lados del campo. Los asientos VIP y premium consisten en una terraza de segundo nivel en el lado este, asientos acolchados a nivel del campo y asientos a nivel del campo con mesas altas. Estos asientos al nivel del campo permiten que los fanáticos estén cerca y en persona. El resto de los asientos son asientos abatibles grises elevados sobre el nivel del suelo, sin brazos ni portavasos. Estos asientos son más cómodos de lo que parecen. La grada del lado este ofrece las filas de la A a la K y encima de ellas están las suites y la terraza premium. Estas sillas ofrecen vistas espectaculares de impresionantes puestas de sol. Las filas son largas (28 asientos de ancho), por lo que si eres un fanático que necesita levantarse con frecuencia durante el partido, elige asientos más cercanos a los pasillos (1-4 o 24-28) para evitar molestar a otros fanáticos. La grada del lado oeste tiene dos niveles y sube 28 filas más o menos. Muchos escalones en ese lado. Los asientos elevados detrás de las porterías son de admisión general (gradas sin respaldo). El club instaló un enorme marcador en el extremo sur. Muestra el puntaje, la mitad y el tiempo con algunos videos y anuncios. Lo bueno del marcador es que transmite en ambos lados. Los fanáticos que pasen el rato en el área de The Park también pueden ver lo que se muestra en él y mantenerse al día con el puntaje del juego. El parque está al otro lado de la entrada. Es una gran berma de césped con mesas de picnic, rodeada de puestos de comida y juegos para que participen niños (y adultos). Es un lugar muy popular antes e incluso durante el partido. Cuatro puntales ligeros iluminan el campo. Phoenix Rising FC solo alberga partidos nocturnos. Neighborhood / Barrio 2 Phoenix Rising Stadium está en el área de entretenimiento de Wild Horse Pass. Si bien no está en el ajetreo del centro de la ciudad, algunas cosas están disponibles para otras formas de entretenimiento a unas pocas millas. A una milla y media del estadio se encuentra Gila River Resort and Casino . Justo al norte se encuentra Phoenix Premium Outlet Mall para todas sus necesidades de compras. Para aquellos a los que les gusta el aire libre, visite South Mountain Park and Nature Preserve para hacer senderismo. El club de golf Whirlwind en Wild Horse Pass está a poco más de una milla de distancia. El centro de Chandler, una comunidad vibrante con muchos cantinas, restaurantes y cervecerías, está a más de 11 millas del estadio y definitivamente vale la pena visitarlo. Visite San Tan Brewing o The Perch Brewery (cuenta con aves tropicales de rescate) para cervezas, Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup, The Hidden House (cocina estadounidense) o The Brickyard Downtown (gastropub). Para los hoteles, el Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass o el Gila River Resort son los más cercanos, aunque caros. Un Best Western está justo al otro lado de la I-10 y hay muchas opciones de alojamiento tres millas al norte, dos salidas de la I-10. Otros deportes para ver en las cercanías incluyen Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, una pista de carreras local. Aparte de eso, hay más de 12 millas de otros eventos deportivos como ASU y algunos estadios de entrenamiento de primavera. Chase Field (Diamondbacks) y Footprint Center ( Suns , Mercury , Rattlers ) están a dieciocho millas de distancia en el centro de Phoenix. Fans / Fanáticos 4 Phoenix Rising FC tiene dos fuertes grupos de seguidores, Los Banditos y Union 602, ambos dan la bienvenida a todos los fanáticos. Tambores, banderas ondeando, humo de colores, cantos, palmas, saltos, lo tienen todo. La mayoría de los aficionados se sientan en la zona de anotación sur debajo del marcador, pero encontrará parches de los aficionados de los grupos en toda la zona de asientos. Montones y montones de clubes de fútbol infantiles y juveniles asisten a los partidos. Verá una gran cantidad de familias y amigos presentes. Los aficionados participan en el juego sobre el terreno de juego. Y ciertamente sabes cuando la multitud no está de acuerdo con las llamadas del árbitro. Los fanáticos hacen que sea un evento deportivo cómodo para asistir donde se aceptan todos los visitantes. Los fanáticos de Phoenix Rising tienen una presencia activa en las redes sociales. El club publica “el equipo viste de rojo para el partido de esta noche”, y los fanáticos se visten de rojo cuando asisten al partido. Y, si se encuentra en el área metropolitana de Phoenix y sus alrededores, verá una calcomanía de Phoenix Rising FC en un automóvil en casi cualquier estacionamiento. La asistencia es fuerte en los partidos de Phoenix Rising FC con el ranking del club entre los cinco y diez primeros de la USL-C en asistencia en las últimas temporadas con un promedio de 6,600 a 6,800 fanáticos. Y, las multitudes en 2022 han aumentado a más de 7000 hasta ahora. Access / Acceso 3 El complejo de fútbol Phoenix Rising FC está en Chandler AZ, un suburbio al sur de Phoenix. El estadio está justo al lado de la Interestatal 10 y la parte sur del 202 Loop. Espere un tráfico considerable antes y después del partido. El complejo está a 14 millas al sur del aeropuerto Sky Harbor de Phoenix. No hay transporte público notable disponible. Sin embargo, Phoenix Rising FC tiene un servicio de transporte Pub2Pitch donde los fanáticos van a bares selectos y los autobuses los llevan hacia/desde los partidos. Ese es un servicio bastante ingenioso. Al ingresar al complejo, el estacionamiento es gratuito. El estadio tiene tres entradas: una para medios y vendedores, otra para VIPs y otra para otros visitantes. En las entradas todos los aficionados se chequean con varitas de seguridad. Se permiten bolsas transparentes. Hay muchos escalones para entrar y rodear el lugar, aunque las rampas y los ascensores ADA y los asientos para sillas de ruedas están disponibles para aquellos que lo necesiten. El complejo tiene varios conjuntos de baños alrededor del perímetro en lo que parecen semirremolques. Pero no se preocupe, están bastante limpios y se ven bien por dentro (al menos para el baño de damas). Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 4 Los boletos para un solo juego cuestan entre $ 22 y $ 41 y son comparables, aunque un poco más altos que otros equipos de la USL-C. El precio aumenta $4 o $5 si se compra el día del partido. Asegúrese de consultar su sitio web o las páginas de redes sociales para ver si hay ofertas especiales. El club ofrece descuentos en entradas para grupos o compra de miniplan (4 u 8 partidos). Phoenix Rising presentó boletos solo digitales esta temporada 2022. El estacionamiento es gratuito, lo cual es una ventaja. Los precios de la comida y la bebida del estadio son más bajos que los de otros recintos deportivos profesionales de la zona. Los visitantes pueden traer dos botellas selladas de agua por persona. Los fanáticos definitivamente los necesitan en los partidos en los meses más cálidos. Extras 5 Phoenix Rising tiene muchos elementos adicionales que vale la pena mencionar. La organización proporciona hojas de registro en la entrada. Cerca de la entrada hay una bonita carpa de mercadería con una gran cantidad de equipo de Phoenix Rising. El área de césped es una característica útil para que los fanáticos tomen sus refrigerios y jueguen antes de dirigirse al área de asientos. Tener el marcador retransmitiendo el partido hacia la zona de césped demuestra el aprecio de la organización por la afición. La organización Phoenix Rising FC y el complejo ofrecen una gran cantidad de campamentos para jóvenes y programas de capacitación. Y, debo felicitar al locutor PA nuevamente. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos Finales Ir y ver partidos de fútbol profesional está en aumento en Arizona. El club es corrientamente un candidato para una expansión de franquicia de la Major League Soccer (MLS). El tiempo dirá si eso llega a buen puerto o no. Phoenix Rising FC hace un trabajo notable al proporcionar una velada de entretenimiento deportivo agradable y segura para la multitud. ¡El nuevo estadio de fútbol es un excelente lugar para que los fanáticos de todo Arizona visiten y vean un club de fútbol ganador! Gracias Jimmy Minard por la ayuda de traducción.

Photo by Ed Pelle, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 University Blvd Hofstra Blvd Hempstead, NY 11550 Hofstra Pride website University Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 400 The Lions of Long Island If you should ever find yourself roaming the fertile central plains of Nassau County, consider visiting Hofstra University, a private institution that has played baseball since 1938, although the program had a three year hiatus due to World War II. The University was built upon a large former estate that was owned by a Dutchman. This led to Hofstra adopting the nickname of Flying Dutchmen until 2004 when they officially became the Hofstra Pride. Despite the name change, the university hasn't completely divorced itself from its previous incarnation. In several locations around campus you will see the words "Home of the Flying Dutchmen, House of the Hofstra Pride." Hofstra plays its baseball at University Field which has recently undergone some renovations and is located north of Fulton Street near the Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex main entrance. Hofstra's most well-known baseball alumnus is former New York Mets, Montreal Expos and Baltimore Orioles player Ken Singleton. New York metro area fans are probably more familiar with his current work as New York Yankees broadcaster for the YES Network. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage offered to fans at Hofstra home games and there aren't any other options within close walking distance. Some people will bring food for the players, but eating it is off limits to the general public. Atmosphere 2 University Field has a bit of a disjointed feel to it, as if its individual parts were thrown together in some haphazard way. The first feature you might notice is its irregular field dimensions. The playing surface is 322 feet down the left field line, 337 feet down the right field line and 380 feet in center field. In left center field there looms a 30 foot high chain link "monster" that renders it virtually impossible to hit a home run in that area. The infield playing surface is artificial turf while the outfield is natural grass. A very noticeable line where the surfaces meet at the edge of the infield not only looks odd aesthetically, but it can affect game play. In 2010 the Pride constructed a new seating area behind home plate with 400 individual seats. This is the ballpark's best feature and makes it comfortable to watch a game. Some fans will congregate down the third base line, but that's about the only other option for seating. Down the first base line and in right field are trees that obstruct the viewing area. In the far corner of right field there is an unsightly area where the gardening and road maintenance equipment supplies are kept. Neighborhood 3 The area surrounding Hofstra University is a tale of two cities with Hofstra being the dividing line. To the south and west are areas considered "rougher" by most Long Islanders. Most visitors to Hofstra or the Nassau Coliseum will head east on Hempstead Turnpike toward East Meadow or north toward Museum Row and Roosevelt Field Mall when looking for post or pre game attractions. For people traveling with children, the Long Island Children's Museum is located just one block west of Nassau Coliseum on Museum Row and is well worth the $12 general admission. It has two large floors filled with interactive exhibits. The museum sits next to Nunley's Carousel which costs a mere ($2) per ride. The carousel has been relocated here from its prior home in nearby Baldwin where it had been operated for 55 years. Most native Long Islanders have ridden the carousel at some point during their life. For older visitors, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, which contains a planetarium, might be a better option at $14. One of Charles Lindbergh's plane is on display here as well as a lunar module that was produced on Long Island. The street on which these attractions are located is dubbed Charles Lindbergh Boulevard because he took off from nearby Roosevelt Field which was then an airfield on his world famous transatlantic flight in 1927. For post game food or drinks one doesn't have to venture far from Hofstra to find a great place. Located a mere 15 feet from Shuart Stadium's north end on Hempstead Turnpike is the Social Sports Lounge and Kitchen a bar and restaurant. Owned by Wayne Chrebet, this bar offers top shelf drinks and gourmet versions of sports bar classics. Some examples include marinated skirt steak ($13.95), bacon stuffed burger ($11.95), rigatoni alla vodka ($13.95), Cap'n Crunch crusted chicken fingers ($8.95), soy Thai calamari ($10.95) and shrimp dumplings ($8.95). Fans 1 The fans that come out to these games are generally of the friends and family variety. While there is nothing wrong with that, developing a fan base that extends beyond this is essential to the health of the program. College baseball teams that are in the Northeast generally tend to have difficulty with drawing as the weather can be rough during the early months of the season. I like to think of this category as a work in progress for Hofstra. Access 3 Getting to Hofstra is relatively easy. The university is located just off of Hempstead Turnpike, which is one of the major roadways that cut across Nassau County East-West. If you head north on Uniondale Avenue from Hempstead Turnpike you will reach the parking area to your left at the first available turn. Parking is free for baseball games. Conveniently, the Meadowbrook Parkway is located less than a half mile away and has exits that intersect with Hempstead Turnpike. Use exit M4 and head west toward Hofstra if using this method of travel. Public transportation is an option as there are five NICE (Nassau InterCounty Express) bus lines with stops at Hofstra University. These routes are the 43, 45, 70, 71, and 72. You could also take the Long Island Railroad to Hempstead if you didn't mind a brisk 20 minute walk, or take one of the above buses east toward Hofstra University from the area near the train station. Return on Investment 5 Hofstra does not charge admission for baseball games or any kind of parking fee. While there might not be any food available to purchase, the only costs for the consumer would be those associated with travel to and from the game. Extras 2 If you should travel anywhere on Hofstra's campus other than the baseball field, you will be in for a pleasant walk on a neatly manicured backdrop filled with interesting architecture and dozens of statues and plaques. Due to its location in what feels like the nexus of Long Island, there seemingly is always something else going on nearby. Final Thoughts Since the decision to disband its football team, Hofstra University has struggled to find another popular sport to help fill that void. The men's basketball team was anticipated to be the leader in this regard, but has fallen on hard times for a variety of reasons. Could baseball be the sport that energizes the alumni base and brings the Pride back to the forefront of the local sports scene? There is some work to be done here before that can occur, but it is not entirely inconceivable.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Klöckner Stadium Massie Road Charlottesville, VA 2290 Virginia Cavaliers website Klöckner Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 8,000 Hoos Ready for Soccer? Klöckner Stadium is located on the campus of the University of Virginia and is home to the Cavaliers’ soccer program as well as their lacrosse teams. The stadium opened in 1992 and has received several updates since then including lighting and increased seating. It is part of a complex which also includes Davenport Field , home to Cavaliers baseball, as well as field hockey, track and field, and softball facilities. The Cavaliers, affectionately known as the Wahoos or just the Hoos, are one of the most successful men’s soccer programs in the country. They have seven national championships, most recently in 2014, and have made the College Cup, college soccer’s version of the Final Four, 12 times. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands on the concourse behind the bleachers. Both serve the same basic items such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, popcorn, chips, and pretzels, but have different specialty items. The stand closest to the entrance sells pulled pork nachos and barbecue sandwiches, while the other one serves Papa John’s pizza. Pepsi products, bottled water, and hot chocolate are available to drink. The most expensive item is a souvenir soda for $9, but this comes with unlimited refills. If you don’t want the refills, you can buy a standard souvenir soda for $6 or a regular soda for $4. Nothing else costs more than $8. Atmosphere 5 Klöckner Stadium has one set of traditional seats, which are almost all standard bleachers. There are a few reserved chair backs at the top, mainly for season ticket holders. On the other side of the field is a hill which is also used for seating. Many fans will sit on blankets or lawn chairs over here. Everything except the chair backs is general admission, so if you want an actual seat, be sure to get here early. There is a video board located behind one of the goals which also shows shots, shots on goal, and saves for each team. Like at most soccer stadiums at any level anywhere in the world, most of the atmosphere comes from the fans rather than the team, and here at Klöckner Stadium, the home fans do a great job of bringing the atmosphere. It can get very loud here at big moments as fans stomp on the bleachers with their feet to try to bring as much noise as possible. There are few other college soccer teams in the country with this kind of electric atmosphere. Being that this is soccer, there are no breaks in the action to do promotions except halftime, but that doesn’t seem to dampen the atmosphere here. If anything, it enhances it as it leads to more focus on the game and less on sideshows. Neighborhood 4 Klöckner Stadium is located on the campus of the University of Virginia, which is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Once you get off campus and into the city of Charlottesville, there is plenty else to do. Boylan Heights is a popular bar just off campus and serves up good food as well. It is just one of many places to eat, drink, or have fun along University Avenue ranging from bagel bakeries to bars to sushi restaurants. History buffs may also want to check out Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Fans 5 UVA soccer fans are among the most passionate in the country. They are loud, and proud, and cheer on their team for the whole game. At big moments they will bang on the bleachers with their feet to generate as much noise as they can. No matter when in the game it is, they are not afraid to get on the case of the opponent or the referee. The fans are the main reason the atmosphere here at Klöckner Stadium is so great, and this cannot be stressed enough. Access 3 If coming to Charlottesville from the east or west, you will likely take Interstate 64. If coming from the north or south, you will take U.S. Route 29. Although both are major roads, Route 29 has a few traffic lights along the way, so you won’t make as good time as you would on the highway. Still, you should be able to make reasonably good time if you head that way – the lights are for the most part few and far between. Once you get onto campus, ample parking is available in lots in between the stadium and John Paul Jones Arena , although there may be more limited availability if there is a basketball game the same day. If going to a game in November, it is best to check the UVA athletic website beforehand to make sure of the situation. Once you get in the stadium, you have to walk up a hill across a fairly narrow path to get to the concourse. Although not too far, it is longer than you would expect it to take to get from a stadium gate to the concourse. Additionally, the path can get crowded after games when everyone is heading out at the same time. There are restrooms inside the stadium of ample size to handle the crowd, although concession stands can get pretty long at halftime. We recommend you eat before the game starts if possible to avoid this. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $5 for general admission seats, which get you anywhere in the stadium except a few rows of $8 reserved chair backs at the top, which are mainly for season ticket holders but may be available in limited number for single games. Tickets are $2 more expensive if you wait until game day and order at the ticket window, so we recommend buying in advance if possible. This is a pretty good deal when you consider the Cavaliers are one of the best college soccer teams in the country. Just keep in mind the general admission ticket does not guarantee you a bleacher seat. If you do not want to sit on the hill, arrive early to make sure you get in the bleachers, especially if you have a group that wants to sit together. Extras 3 There are free programs available which show the rosters and information for both teams. There is a plaza between the goal and the entrance which has banners highlighting the Cavaliers’ seven national championships. A third and final star for the great energy the fans bring, as they are among the best in the country. Final Thoughts At most colleges, soccer is not a significant sport. Sure, they may draw a few hundred fans a game, maybe even a thousand, but nobody really cares. Virginia is not one of those schools. The Cavaliers’ soccer program is one of the best in the country, and it has a stadium and fan base befitting such success. Klöckner Stadium is one of the best college soccer stadiums in the country, and a visit here is a must for any fan of the sport.

Photos Courtesy of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are one of five new teams participating in the Copa de la Diversión and have made a statement with their new identity: the Pensacola Pok-Ta-Tok. Pok-Ta-Pok is an ancient ballgame that was first played in the Americas as early as 1650 B.C.E. It was played with a heavy rubber ball that required players to propel the ball through an elevated hoop using only their hips and torsos - similar to basketball today without the use of players' hands. Many variations of the game existed across Mesoamerica, with courts being preserved today at numerous cultural sites, including Chichen Itza in Mexico. The Aztecs and the Toltecs played the game with ruins of playing courts discovered in Mexico. The game has even enjoyed a resurgence with the annual Pok-Ta-Pok World Cup held in Belize for the past 5-years. The identity was developed by Brandiose artist Jacobo Vidal and the Brandiose team. Vidal, a citizen of Mexico City, incorporated many aspects of his Mexican heritage into the Pok-Ta-Pok brand, including a fierce athlete in authentic, traditional garb playing the sport on the historic Pok-Ta-Pok court overlooked by the El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza. It will be written in Mayan script by a Mayan linguist. The team's uniform portrays the athlete striking a ball through a hoop on the jersey's sleeve. On the chest, "Pok-Ta-Pok" is written in Mayan glyphs scripted by a Mayan linguist. Vidal chose the colors to represent traditional Latin American artwork. The name looks to expand the Copa de la Diversión universe by sharing more about the many vibrant cultures and languages that make up Latin America today. Today, approximately 50 million people (10 percent of the population) across Latin America are of indigenous heritage; millions speak languages other than Spanish such as Mayan, Quechua, and Nahuatl, as their first language. “For me, to create these identities and to create these logos that represent my culture, my city, and my people is something that I’m proud of and thankful for,” Designer Jacobo Vidal said in a press release. “I tried to represent the most traditional form of the game. The most epic form of the game, a form that makes people feel proud and identified.” The team will debut the new look on May 5 against the Mississippi Braves and play two more games on June 17 and September 16 this season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mustang Stadium 11005 Owings Mills Blvd Owings Mills, MD 21117 Stevenson Mustangs website Mustang Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 3,500 A Horse is a Mustang of Course, of Course Mustang Stadium, on the campus of Stevenson University in Owings Mill, Maryland, is a 3,500-seat facility that is home to the Mustangs' football team as well as several other sports. The Mustangs compete at the Division III level in the Middle Atlantic Conference. Mustang Stadium is located adjacent to the Caves Sports and Wellness Center, which is the former training facility of the Baltimore Colts, and later the Baltimore Stallions and Baltimore Ravens. In 2003, Stevenson, then known as Villa Julie College, decided to build an additional campus in Owings Mills to expand on the additional one in nearby Stevenson, and purchased the land surrounding the vacant facility. In 2008, the school changed its name to Stevenson, after the location of the original campus. Food & Beverage 4 There is one permanent food stand at Mustang Stadium, with a fairly limited menu. Hot dogs are $4, an Italian sausage is $6.50, with onions and peppers for an additional 50 cents, and nachos are $5. A soft pretzel or popcorn will cost you $3, while chips are $1.75, candy is $3-$3.75, and cookies are $1.50 to $3.25. A Moodi bar, a chocolate bar coming in a variety of flavors from regular milk chocolate to chocolate toffee pretzel sea salt, each of which is named after a different mood, is $3. Bottled water and assorted soft drinks cost a few dollars as well. A second, portable stand, sells many of the same options as the first stand as well as crab cake sandwiches ($12) and pulled pork ($7). Atmosphere 5 Stevenson football puts on an impressive atmosphere for a Division III school. Walking into the stadium will put you onto the concourse, along the west side of the field. Here you will find concession stands, restrooms, murals, and a team shop. You can then walk through a portal to get to the general admission seating area. The middle section is chairbacks, while everything else is bleachers. No track surrounds the field, but the front row of the bleachers is fairly high up, making for some interesting viewing angles. Note that the front four rows of chairbacks are reserved for season ticket holders, but the remaining chairbacks are typically first come first serve. For Homecoming, there may be a separate, more expensive ticket that gets you access to the chairbacks. For all other games, you are fine sitting there as long as you do not sit in the first four rows. Stevenson has a fairly sizeable marching band which performs before the game and at halftime. The pregame performance is dedicated to typical marching band music, as well as school songs like the fight song and alma mater. The halftime performance is focused more on popular music from recent decades like the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. Before the game, the Stevenson players run out onto the field from beneath an inflatable mustang as a green fog rises into the air from a fog machine. However, the coloring does not always work properly. Cheerleaders and a dance team also perform on the field, and toss T-shirts into the crowd after Stevenson scores, which are also followed by the sound of a submarine dive horn and the Stevenson fight song. Neighborhood 4 Owings Mills is located in the northwest suburbs of Baltimore, and there is plenty to do near the Stevenson campus. Terri's Cafe is located just around the corner and is a great place to get breakfast or brunch before the game, with great food and friendly service. However, they close at 2 PM on Saturdays, so you will have to stop by here before the game rather than after. There are several shopping centers just down Owings Mills Boulevard with everything from burgers to wings to Mexican and Peruvian food. Fans 4 Stevenson draws one to two thousand fans per game, and while this doesn't quite fill the stadium, those who do show up are incredibly loud and passionate about the Mustangs. Although this is a Division III program, and a fairly new one at that, the team has built itself a sizeable and loyal following already. When the Mustangs score, the crowd goes wild, and not just for the free t-shirts either. While they may not be the largest crowd in Division III, they are certainly among the most passionate and rowdy. Access 4 Owings Mills Boulevard is located just off I-795, and Mustang Stadium is about a mile away. There is a lot conveniently located right next to the stadium, but there is limited parking here, so arrive early if you want to park close by. If it fills up, fans will be directed to an additional lot around the corner off Crondall Drive. If tailgating, you must park in this lot. Although the walk from here to the stadium literally involves going over a river and through the woods, it will only take you about ten minutes, if that. Restrooms are available on both ends of the concourse, including a family/gender-neutral one, and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds. Moving around the concourse is no problem either. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are $10, with cash or card accepted at the window. You can order in advance through the Stevenson website, which will take you to Eventbrite, but this is usually not necessary, and you will pay a fee of about $2. For Homecoming, it is recommended you buy in advance, but for all other games, you will be fine buying the day of. For Homecoming only, you can pay extra for a seat in the chairback section, although you are still not guaranteed any particular seat. For all other games, the chairbacks, except the first four rows, are general admission like the rest of the stadium. Concessions are reasonably priced, and parking is free, making a Stevenson football game a great value. Extras 2 Look for the murals around the concourse dedicated to Stevenson athletic history, as well as some art displays celebrating the Mustangs. A team store on the concourse sells Stevenson gear. Final Thoughts Stevenson University's Mustang Stadium is a great place to watch a college football game on a fall Saturday. With football history nearby, a great fan base, and a modern stadium, a Stevenson football game is well worth the visit.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Martire Family Arena 3135 Easton Turnpike Fairfield, CT 06604 Sacred Heart Pioneers men’s hockey website Webster Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 4,400 There's No Place Like Home After playing hockey off campus for 29 and a half years, the Sacred Heart men’s hockey team was able to recite a familiar refrain “There’s no place like home”, as Martire Family Arena opened to a sold-out crowd of 4,200 on January 14 versus Boston College. The state-of-the-art $70 million facility will be home to the men’s and women’s hockey programs and figure skating. The eye-catching, well-lit structure has glass surrounding the outside of the building on three sides and is situated on the West Campus. It sits on the site of the former General Electric headquarters in Fairfield. The windows can be adjusted to allow for more or less light coming into the building depending on conditions outside. Frank and Maria Martire donated $5 million to the building. Frank Martire is an alumnus, who graduated in 1969, and a chairman of the Board of Trustees. He also has an equity interest in the Vegas Golden Knights. As fans enter the arena from an underground parking garage, they are funneled to the suite level and then the choice is stairs, elevator, or escalator down to the lower bowl seating area. There is also an entrance from street level at the front of the arena which leads fans to the top of the lower bowl. The team store is just to your left as you enter from the garage with a large concession stand to the right. Bathrooms are also on the right side of the Sacred Heart side of the rink. Food & Beverage 4 Food choices include two Old Post Market (a respected Fairfield restaurant) stands. For savory, one sells clam chowder ($10) and chili ($8). For sweets, the other mobile cart offers sugar waffles for $8 and $10 with chocolate sauce, hot chocolate ($4), and coffee ($3). Food and Drink Stands at Martire Family Arena, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey There is a beverage cart selling 16 oz. Coors Light and Blue Moon, Angry Orchard (12 oz), Truly Berry 16 oz, and Truly Vodka 12 oz. all for $8. The conventional food choices include pretzels ($7) with cheese sauce, nachos ($8), crinkle chili cheese ($9.50), cheese or regular fries, Nathan’s hot dogs ($6), chicken tenders, Greco and Sons Italian sausage and peppers and Margherita, pepperoni and pesto bianca pizzas. Snacks include popcorn ($6.50), cracker jacks, peanut M&M's, snickers, sour patch, Twizzlers, deep river chips, and large cookies. Pepsi products are sold. Soft drinks are $5 and water is $4. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere is first-rate. The arena is well-lit, with great acoustics and a clear sound system. The noise level is just right a bit loud, but not overbearing. The band is solid and plays often during breaks. There is a bell just behind the band that is rung at the start of each period and follows Sacred Heart goals. When the Pioneers find the back of the net, the arena lights are turned off and the ice is lit by lavender lights, a roaming spotlight, and a booming goal horn. The high-definition scoreboard is fabulous. The only negative was for some reason replays were not shown on the big board. There is a red signage board above the main scoreboard that wraps around the entire ice surface and keeps fans up to date on the latest real-time stats for both teams. The crowd was enthusiastic and loud throughout the game and the students were noticeable. The only needed touch is some banners to add to the empty rafters but Sacred Heart is yet to win a conference championship or make an NCAA appearance. The Pioneers play in the 10-team Atlantic Hockey Association. Neighborhood 3 There is not much to do nearby as the campus is just off the Merritt Parkway with no stores or restaurants close by. The Westfield Mall in Trumbull is about two miles away and is a good spot to pre-game. There are also some food options on Main Street in Bridgeport. Frank Pepe’s in Fairfield is a 12-minute drive. Fans 4 Fan support has been great since the Arena opened. The Pioneers used to average less than 1,000 per game but the on-campus venue is attracting about 4,000 per contest. The highest average attendance was 2019-20 at 897 when the team played in Bridgeport. This season the team is attracting 2,154 per contest and only seven of the Pioneer’s 16 home games have been played at Martire. The fans are buoyed by the band which plays often and even leads some cheers. Sacred Heart Pioneer School Band, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Access 4 The Arena is just off the Merritt Parkway Easton Turnpike exit 46 and Easton Turnpike Route 59. There is free parking on campus. The garage has a lower and upper level and fans can enter the arena without going outside. There is an area for Uber pickoff/dropoff outside the front of the building. Campus shuttles bring students from the east campus to the Arena. There is a bus (Greater Bridgeport Transit No. 3) that stops just outside campus, but public transportation is not really an option. The bus runs every 30 minutes on weekends. Metro North railroad stops are in Fairfield and Bridgeport is not close by. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $10-$20 for individual games. The sightlines are stellar from almost any section. The seats with small table tops at the top of each concourse offer a great view of the action. The only drawback is in the upper bowl with slightly obstructed views right next to the Suites. The glass and the railing impede the view of the right side of the ice along the boards in Section 202. Upper bowl seating is only available on the Sacred Heart side of the ice. Extras 4 The arena is well conceived with high ceilings, a wide concourse, good entry points, and a well-presented game presentation. The lower bowl offers an open concourse which allows fans to see the action from all vantage points and the suite level includes a beer garden, an upscale bar area with a hot buffet, a president’s suite, three boxes, and a media center. Final Thoughts Martire Arena is a great venue to take in a hockey game. Both families and local hockey fans should not pass up the chance to check out the impressive new facility and watch Sacred Heart as the program attempts to make its mark on New England hockey.

In news that was both surprising and expected, recent documents released by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs show that Northeastern University is moving forward with plans to replace historic Matthews Arena. Matthews is the home of the school’s hockey and basketball teams, as well as the original home of the Boston Bruins , Carolina Hurricanes , the Beanpot Tournament and virtually every hockey program in and around Boston. The university is currently “explor[ing] opportunities to build a new arena in the near future,” a spokesperson for the university recently stated to Amelia Ballingall of the Huntington News. “Matthews Arena is more than a century old and is reaching the end of its useful life. It has recently undergone structural modifications that will temporarily extend its use. Simultaneously, the university has been making long-term assessments regarding the increasing demand for state-of-the-art athletic and recreational facilities and the existing building’s limitations to meet them.” More specific details regarding a new facility were not made clear, but concerns have arisen recently about Matthews Arena’s stability. Steel scaffolding was put up on the west side of the building in 2024, offices in that part of the facility were moved and seating was roped off without explanation. The environmental engineering firm Haley & Aldrich has reported concentrations of lead, asbestos and other toxic chemicals within the soil on the grounds of Matthews Arena. The parking lot bordering Gainsborough Street is scheduled to be completely uprooted, with 5,000 cubic yards of soil removed. The land on which Matthews Arena sits was once part of Boston’s original wharf, which was replaced with man-made-land in the late 1800s. The land contains high concentrations of clay, which expands when wet and contracts when dry, and sand, which shifts easily and can be damaging to structures. The bedrock underneath the arena has weathered over time and may not be as sturdy as needed. Debris from the row houses that once stood on the site further contaminates the soil. A large renovation or construction project at the Matthews Arena site would be disruptive to the neighboring Orange Line and the New England Conservatory, not to mention the Northeastern athletic teams that call the facility home. While the men’s basketball team would likely join the Huskies’ women’s team at Cabot Center, the hockey teams would likely have to use a temporary home ( Warrior Ice Arena and Walter Brown Arena have been mentioned as possibilities), or play on the road for a year or two. The historic value of Matthews Arena is also a concern. The facility is the original home of the Bruins, the Whalers (now Carolina Hurricanes), and an early home of the Celtics. The first NHL game in the United States was played here. Matthews Arena is the oldest hockey rink in the world. How a new facility would respect the historic nature of the site has to be taken into consideration. Space is very limited on the Northeastern campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Considerations on where to put a new facility are multi-faceted. The best plan may be to tear down Matthews Arena and build a new facility from the ground up on the same site. This appears to be the tact that the school is taking. Rumors abound that the 2024-25 season will be the last for this historic rink. While the future of this old barn is unclear at this time, one thing is certain: time is running out for historic Matthews Arena.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Costello Athletic Center 175 Riverside St Lowell, MA 01854 UMass Lowell River Hawks website Costello Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 2,000 River Hawk Hoops The University of Massachusetts – Lowell got its start in the 1890s as two separate institutions, the Lowell Normal School (later renamed Lowell State College) and the Lowell Textile School (later renamed Lowell Textile Institute). These two schools merged in 1975 to become the University of Lowell. In 1991 it joined the University of Massachusetts system. Today UMass Lowell is the second largest campus in Massachusetts, with an enrollment of over 18,000 students in almost 200 Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs. Total enrollment has increased 50 percent since 2007. The Costello Athletic Center was built in 1964 to house several of the University of Lowell’s athletic programs. Today it serves as the home to UMass-Lowell’s men’s and women’s basketball programs. In 2020 the facility underwent a $3.05 million renovation to modernize the gym, create office space for the program and to add new fan amenities. UMass Lowell has been competing in the America East Conference since moving the program up to the Division One level in 2013. Long a Division Two powerhouse, the school competed in 10 D-2 Tournaments, winning a national title in 1988. The school has yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament since moving up to Division One. While no River Hawk alumnus has played in the National Basketball Association, Stan Van Gundy, who coached the squad from 1988-1992, has coached several NBA teams. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small snack cart in the front hallway that serves up a few items for hungry River Hawk fans. Hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn and candy are available along with Pepsi products. While it’s not an extensive list, no item costs more than four dollars. Atmosphere 3 The America East Conference holds its postseason tournament at campus sites. One can only imagine the home-court advantage the tiny CAC would provide should the River Hawks ever host the game. Stadium Journey had the privilege of visiting during the program’s first ever sellout at the D-1 level. This occurred during the semester break without a great deal of representation from the student body. Even without the students, all the elements for a great time are in place. The pep band takes up residence on the near end balcony, playing during all stoppages. This is a great improvement over the usual piped-in music many arenas use. The student section (aka “The Nest”) is situated on the same balcony, freeing up the far side balcony for the rest of the fans. While many of the students had yet to return to campus, the “Flag Guy,” decked out in a UMass Lowell hockey jersey was there, standing at center court doing his thing in response to every River Hawk three pointer or big play. The cheerleading squad lines up along the baseline and performs throughout the game. The PA announcer leans into his work, filling this small gym with even more noise. There are contests (i.e. dizzy bat race, dress like a hawk) for the younger fans in attendance during every play stoppage. It makes for a family-friendly and entertaining time, even when the CAC is not packed to the rafters with fans. Neighborhood 3 The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is located in the north-central part of the city of Lowell, right near the city line of adjoining Dracut. The campus straddles the Merrimack River along the rapids that used to fuel the mills that made this area a magnet for industry back in the day. Lowell long had a poor reputation as a city with low employment, high poverty and crime rates which was best to avoid. Statistics show that Lowell is as safe or safer than other similarly-sized cities in the area, but the reputation continues. Lowell is a working-class city. There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of the CAC to draw visiting fans, but visitors to the city may be interested in exploring the Lowell National Historic Park, which has preserved several old textile mills to tell the story of the industrial revolution. On the grounds of the park is a memorial to native son Jack Kerouac, who was one of the icons of the “Beat Generation.” Most out-of-towners will likely make their way to nearby Boston, 25 miles to the southeast, but for those looking to stay in town, most lodging options are located out by Interstate 495. There are many excellent smaller restaurants scattered throughout Lowell. Visitors may want to check out Good Thymes or Cobblestones. Fans 2 It can be a bit tough to accurately gauge attendance numbers at UMass Lowell. The CAC’s capacity is listed at 2,000, although the venue feels a lot smaller than that. Stadium Journey had the good fortune to be at the River Hawks’ first-ever sellout at the Division One level in January 2023. The box score lists that game’s attendance at 850. A look at attendance figures from past years lists average attendance generally in the neighborhood of 1,100 fans. So we’ll take these numbers at face value. Stadium Journey visited the CAC during the semester break, just before students had returned to class, so the student section (aka “The Nest”) was filled with other fans, mostly locals and families. Since the America East conference has a compact geographical footprint, it’s not unusual to see a good representation from visiting fans. The fans that packed the CAC were into the game, but not overly rowdy. It is a comfortable and affordable place to bring the family. Access 3 The Costello Athletic Center is located on the north bank of the Merrimack River along with several of the university’s other athletic facilities, including Cushing Field. The school’s more noteworthy sports facilities, Tsongas Center and LeLacheur Park , are located on the other side of the river. Interstate 495 travels to the south of Lowell, meaning that to reach the UMass-Lowell campus one has to drive through the city. There is ample free parking near the CAC in the North Garage and Riverside Lots. The CAC is a tiny building, with little wasted space. Fans will enter through the front door into a small lobby where they can purchase tickets and enter the building. All tickets are sold as general admission. Fans wishing to sit in the four rows of floor-level seating will proceed directly ahead, those wishing to sit on the balcony will proceed to the stairs located at either end of the hallway. All seats are molded plastic bleachers with excellent views of the action. Rest rooms are clean and large enough for the typical River Hawk crowd. Just time your trips to the snack cart and rest rooms appropriately. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to River Hawks games are sold as general admission for just ten dollars. Seniors and members of the military can purchase tickets for eight dollars, with youth tickets discounted to five dollars. Parking is free in the Riverside lot near the Costello Athletic Center. Snacks are inexpensive, making a trip to a River Hawk basketball game a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the displays visiting fans will encounter in the front hallway at Costello Athletic Center. The UMass Lowell Athletic Hall of Fame is located here. Fans may recognize the names of many NHL players among the honorees, as well as MLB Gold Glove catcher Mike LaValliere. Other displays honor championship teams, award winners and All-Americans. There’s even an interesting display on the school’s history to be found. A second extra point is awarded for the renovations that took place at the CAC in 2020. What was formerly dead space behind one end of the court has been transformed into bright, new office space and a lounge area. The closing off of this open end has created a cozy, intimate gym for the River Hawks. Final Thoughts It’s easy to get overshadowed in the crowded sports scene in greater Boston. It’s even easier to be overlooked when you play basketball at a hockey school in the area. Still, the UMass Lowell River Hawks have managed to create a fun and affordable game experience within the cozy confines of the Costello Athletic Center. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 William Allman Memorial Arena 15 Morenz Dr Stratford, ON N5A 6W5 Stratford Warriors website William Allman Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 2,828 Shakespearean Throwback Stratford, Ontario is probably best known as a city of entertainers. Stratford is the home to actors Cynthia Dale and Graham Greene and CBC News anchor Peter Mansbridge. Retired CTV National News anchor Lloyd Robertson was born in Stratford and Justin Beiber got his start busking on the steps of the world-famous Stratford Festival Theatre in his younger days.  The world-famous Stratford Festival has seen such famous thespians take the stage for Shakespearean works as Colm Feore, Maggie Smith, and Christopher Plummer.  However, a strong hockey tradition is also felt in Stratford. It is the birthplace of former NHLers Craig Hartsburg and Tim Taylor and has seen the likes of Nelson Emerson, Boyd Deveraux, and Greg de Vries all take the ice in Stratford. The Stratford Warriors, formerly the Stratford Cullitons are a Junior B institution in the GOJHL and have iced a team since 1962. The home of the Warriors is a true throwback. The William Allman Memorial Arena opened its doors in 1924 and is celebrating its 100th season. Owned by the City of Stratford, the old-school hockey barn is a celebrated venue yet a throwback to an era long past. Named after the late caretaker of the arena, who took care of the arena for 47 years, the Allman Arena is a designated Heritage Site and is purported to be the longest continuous operating arena of its kind in the world. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at the Allman Arena are fairly basic and are what would be expected of a local arena.  The concession stand is in the lobby at the west end of the arena.  Regular snack bar items like pizza, nachos, burgers, hot dogs, fries, and candy are all on the menu.  Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and Coca-Cola products are the soft drink selections.  During the game, beer is sold in the upper corner of the concourse until the end of the second intermission. Atmosphere 4 The William Allman Memorial Arena is a throwback to a previous generation and has been painstakingly maintained to its 1924 glory with a few modern modifications.  The exterior of the arena is fairly innocuous, featuring brown brick, several windows, and a section of glass blocks.  It looks like a regular community arena.  The dedication plaque to William Allman and the Heritage designation greet patrons as they enter the west side of the arena, the main entrance. Entering the arena, fans are led into the main lobby, which is oozing with Stratford hockey history.  The ticket windows, which still offer actual paper tickets, are on the west side of the lobby.  The east walls of the lobby are covered with team pictures of the Warriors and the previously named Stratford Cullitons along with several massive trophy cases.  The cases are an absolute treasure trove for fans who love to see hockey artifacts.  Items from local products such as Craig Hartsburg and Tim Taylor are featured, highlighting their NHL and Team Canada accomplishments. Entering the ice surface, whether from the ice level or the steps to the upper level, is where the fan is taken back in time.  The main arena seating bowl is seven rows of wooden, double “love” seats, which are the original 1924 wood and refinished and repainted.  The exterior walls, behind the breezeway behind the seats, are painted red, white, and blue brick, with large painted section letters.  Curved iron beams create the structure and give the high, arched, white wooden ceiling the barn look that is so prevalent in old-school arenas.  The breezeway behind the seats is divided by a wooden, full-length, railing in front of a row of wooden box benches.  The hardwood in the breezeway is also the original 1924 flooring.  The ice surface runs from east to west and the spot to get the centre ice logo pic is from the north.  Above centre ice is a dot matrix hockey score clock.  The perimeter of the ice, high above the boards, is circled with youth hockey banners.  In the centre are the banners honouring the eight Sutherland Cups as Junior B hockey champions in Ontario, and the thirteen Cherrey Cups as the previous league champions, before the consolidation of Junior B hockey.  Banners honouring the father-son management-coach duo of Denis Flanagan Sr. and Denis Flanagan Jr. also hang above centre ice.  Finally, a banner for the 2010 Hockey Day in Canada celebrated in Stratford is prominent. The gameday production at a Warriors game is fairly simple.  Music plays during downtimes.  Although it seems that the Allman Arena does have a modern PA system, there were pretty significant sound issues during the game that was attended for this review. Neighbourhood 5 Stratford is a city of over 33,000 residents and relies heavily on tourism.  The William Allman Memorial Arena is just south of the Avon River, and three blocks north of Ontario Street, the main street through Stratford. There are a large number of local spots for fans to get a pre or post-game meal or drink.  Some of the best include Fellini’s, Bentley’s, the Boar’s Head, Pazzo, and Mercer Kitchen. All are within a short walk of the arena.  Further east of downtown, there are several chain restaurants as well.  The Warriors are the only sporting option in town.  Other GOJHL teams are close in Waterloo and St. Mary’s and there are some Junior C options close by also.  At heart, however, Stratford is a theatre town.  The famous Stratford Festival has four theatres in Stratford, the Festival, Avon, Studio, and Tom Patterson, which is right across Morenz Drive from the Arena.  Morenz Drive is named after the famous Montreal Canadien Howie Morenz, who was born in nearby Mitchell, Ontario.  For fans wishing to stay in Stratford, there are several hotel options including the Mercer Inn and Best Western Arden Park, not to mention several Bed and Breakfast options. Fans 4 The Stratford Warriors are among the best-supported teams in the GOJHL.  The Warriors averaged 580 fans per game in the 2022-2023 season and averaged 670 fans per game at the time of writing in the 2023-2024 season.  This ranked fourth in the entire GOJHL for both seasons.  The fans in attendance are supportive, however, are often vocal with referees about calls.   Access 3 Stratford is located west of Kitchener-Waterloo and northeast of London.  The William Allman Memorial Arena is north of the main downtown area, just south of the Avon River.  Highway 7/8 is the main road through downtown, and getting to Stratford is not difficult.  Parking at the Allman Arena is limited to spots on the north side of the arena and some street parking.  The area is busy with the Tom Patterson Theatre just across the street and getting out can be a challenge if the play and the hockey game end around the same time.  For fans wishing to take public transit, Stratford Transit buses travel Ontario and Romeo Streets.  Those interested should consult the Stratford Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Allman Arena can be a bit of a challenge.  The breezeways behind the seating bowl are narrow and traversing stairs to get there will be required.  Purchasing tickets at the door, the only option as online sales are not happening as of this writing will get a patron a General Admission ticket.  When choosing a seat, fans need to be aware of seats that are reserved for season ticket holders.  Most seats that are reserved have an “R” sticker or season ticket holder sticker.  Washroom facilities are decent for the arena. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment for Stratford Warriors hockey is excellent.  Tickets are $12 each at the door.  Students and Seniors are $10 and kids under 5 are free.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  On the ice, the level of hockey is good and the atmosphere is also good.  The opportunity to absorb all that the historic venue has to offer puts the experience over the top. Extras 5 An extra mark for the profiles of the William Allman Memorial Arena on Sportsnet’s Canadian Cathedrals  and CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada .  Videos for both are linked here. An extra mark for the City of Stratford doing an excellent job of maintaining the 100-year-old arena and restoring it to glory as much as possible. An extra mark for the Stratford Warriors and Stratford Cullitons alumni who have gone on to the NHL including Rob Blake, Ed Olczyk, Garth Snow, and Chris Pronger amongst a long list of great players. An extra mark for Wayne Gretzky scoring his first competitive goal as a youth at the William Allman Memorial Arena. An extra mark for the Warriors logo, which replaced the classic Chiefs head logo, which incorporates elements of Stratford.  The English Knight is a nod to the Shakespearean Festival and the swan underneath is a nod to the numerous swans who frequent the Avon River and are part of the Annual Swan Parade. Final Thoughts The opportunity to see hockey in a unique venue such as the William Allman Memorial Arena in an excellent tourist city like Stratford, Ontario is something that hockey fans should not pass up.  The Stratford Warriors are a Junior B institution and the price is right to take the whole experience in.  To hockey or hockey later … that is the question! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Cleveland S. Harley Baseball Park 305 N Campus Blvd Spartanburg, SC 29303 USC Upstate Spartans website Cleveland S. Harley Baseball Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 500 Cleveland S. Harley Baseball Park There is something that can be said about the simpleness of the game of baseball. As teams at so many levels look to grab fans attention through on field contests, giveaways, and fan-scoreboard interactions, at times the simpleness of the game is the most beautiful part of it. In larger college stadiums, the uniqueness of the dugout chatter can easily be lost. It is at smaller stadiums like Harley Park where the appreciation of the one-of-a-kind college bat ‘ting’ is amplified, and the emphasis of every strike call can be felt. At the University of South Carolina-Upstate, the game is presented in its simplest form, where the beauty of college baseball is highlighted. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand at Harley Park is built into the third base side of the press box. Prices are kept wonderfully low, but there is not a lot in the way of substantial options outside of hot dogs, nachos, or soft pretzels. One uniquely southern treat is boiled peanuts, though, which have a definite acquired appreciation. Atmosphere 3 Harley Park is among the other sports venues in the Louis P. Howell Athletics Complex, on the USC-Upstate campus. The baseball and softball fields are in the same area of the complex. Approaching the park, fans are greeted by a shrub-lined walkway that leads to the back of the press box. The press box has a distinct early-90s vibe with its glass and textured cinder block design. The grandstand is built into a large slope behind home plate, so fans enter from above field level. Spartans fans head left to the home side of the press box, with most visiting fans heading to the right of the seating bowl, or to the sloped berm behind the primary seating area. The wall down the right field line is also a popular vantage point for many. Restrooms are built into either side of the press box. Harley Park is a large, symmetrical field enclosed with a well battered, aluminum covered, chain link outfield fence. Each of the lines play 335’, with both power alleys going 383’ and dead center 402’. A basic scoreboard sits just over the left centerfield wall which provides fans with score by inning, ball-strike-out counts, and run-hit-error totals. Most of the time between innings is filled with music and ads from the public address announcer. There are no between inning promotions to speak of. Some might think this would make the game boring, but it is a bit of a nice break from constantly having your attention consumed. Neighborhood 3 USC-Upstate is located just on the outskirts of downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina. There is one small neighborhood near the USC-Upstate campus, but most of the area is populated by businesses and industrial companies. The area is a bit of a transitional part of Spartanburg as it moves from the highway to the downtown area of the city. Though not in the immediate vicinity, the BMW Zentrum Museum is in neighboring Greer, South Carolina, and provides an in-depth look at the history of the German automaker, and what goes into creating their vehicles. Harley Park is less than 5 miles from Wofford’s Russell C. King Field . Spartanburg is the smallest city in the country to be home to multiple NCAA D-I schools. Fans 2 Fan turnout for USC-Upstate games is rather modest. It is not uncommon for opposing fans to outnumber the Spartan fans. Attendances are reported in the range of 100 to 200 per game. The fans here are into the game, but just don’t have the numbers to provide much of a home field advantage. Access 4 The USC-Upstate campus is directly off the I-585 bypass that runs around Spartanburg. The campus is just 4 miles from the junction of Interstates I-85 and I-26, which run locally from Greenville, SC to Charlotte, NC (I-85) and Asheville, NC to Charleston, SC (I-26). There is a parking lot at the field that is shared with softball, which can fill up quickly, but is worth a shot to find parking close by. There is also an overflow lot directly behind the softball field if spots at the baseball stadium itself are full. Accessing the stadium itself is rather simple as there is no fencing or walls forcing fans to access only one entry point. For the most part, fans are contained either to the stands behind home plate, the grassy hill on the visiting side of the field, or along the wall down the right field line. The batting cages on the home side of the field do not lend themselves to watching the game from there. Return on Investment 5 If you like free things, you are in luck because just about everything at Harley Park is free! There is no charge for parking nor admission, and concession prices top out at just $3. It is hard to get prices any lower than they are here. Extras 3 A large water tower with “Upstate” and the Spartan logo painted on it sits in the distance, behind the third base side of the field. While not part of the stadium complex, it does give the area a bit of extra character. If looking to kill some time prior to a game or between the games of a double header, there is a disc golf course just outside the right field fence. A magazine box conveniently has copies of both teams' rosters available for fans to grab as they approach the seating area. Final Thoughts There is not a lot that stands out about Cleveland S. Harley Baseball Park, which in a way is what makes it special – it is a baseball park at its truest form. Despite the modest number of seats in the grandstand, a good number of fans bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to watch from the hillside, or lean over the side wall down the first baseline to get up close to the action. For a casual fan of baseball it might not be a destination to seek out, but given its overall affordability, baseball at USC-Upstate is a decent weekend afternoon activity to get outside for.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jay County Gymnasium 2072 IN-67 Portland, IN 47371 Jay County Patriots website Jay County Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 4,470 Red, White, and Hoops in Jay County When you walk into the Jay County High School gymnasium in Portland, Indiana, the colors red, white, and blue are evident throughout the building. It should not be a surprise since the sports teams that play in this facility or call the Patriots and that the gym itself opened for the 1975 -1976 basketball season along with the brand new high school. The new high school was the result of the five remaining schools (Pennville, Dunkirk, Bryant, Portland, and Redkey) consolidating into one large building for Education. These four schools and four others are honored with several displays throughout the gym. The name and colors were both chosen by student representatives to coincide with the upcoming bicentennial. The gymnasium is similar in design to Lafayette Jeff’s Marion Crawley Athletic Center which was built for the same school year. The Jay County Gym has a much smaller capacity of 4,450 seats and offers original seating of brown bleachers on the upper level and blue seating on the lower level that features the word “JAY” inscribed on both sets. The upper level features a wrap-around concourse with a Patriots Wall of Fame and a simple, but very nice set of eight banners honoring the former high schools that once existed in Jay County. The boys’ basketball has been a member of the Allen County Athletic Conference since 2014. The conference made up of four northwest counties of the state features 7 teams. The Patriots have captured 17 sectional titles and were state finalists for the Class 4A Championship in 2006. Food & Beverage 3 There are four concession stands located at the corners of the gym on both the top and bottom. The upper-level stand is a small window behind the bleachers offering the trademark menu items of hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, candy, and soda. The prices range from $1 to $3.50 and provide ample snacking during the evening. The popcorn is hot and tasty and goes better with a Patriot victory–however–if hungry, grab dinner somewhere in town before the game. Atmosphere 4 The roar of the crowd should tell you how things are going when outside of the gym in the main hallway of the school. The impressive size of the gym has a lot to offer from a Patriot Wall of Fame on the upper concourse, a large wooden Patriot figure adjacent to the corner staircase, and an array of colorful banners hanging from the center of the gym’s ceiling. However, there is one more item that should strike your fancy. The court design features an oversize map of Indiana that stretches from one end to the other at the center court. Inside the state, is a county map with all 8 former high schools and their names that once existed in the county and that were all eventually consolidated into the current school. The Madison Tomcats, Rolling Yellow Jackets, and Dunkirk Speedcats are forever immortalized at center court. The lower level features seating on all four sides, while railings on the upper concourse provide fans a birdseye view of the game above the nets. The student section is loud and boisterous, the band, the band up to par with their instruments, and the cheer team getting the crowd excited during a game that was won on a last-second 3-point shot by the Patriots. Neighborhood 2 The population of Portland, Indiana is estimated to be around 6,163. the town was first planted in 1837 and was named after Portland, Maine. The town is also located quite a few miles on State Road 27 in between two major interstates of I-69 in Indiana and I-75 in Ohio. Ft. Wayne is 30 miles north and Muncie is about a 30-minute drive southwest of Jay County High School. There is a small downtown that features a historic courthouse along with several local and national establishments to grab a drink or bite to eat before the game. Dick’s Pizza Palace has been serving Portland since 1961 and features a vintage Vibe along with pizzas, Subs, tenderloin sandwiches, and salads. It has been voted the best place in the county for pizza for several years. Richard’s Restaurant has a location in town offering Burgers, salads, seafood, and chicken dishes. However the country favorites of ham steak, country fried steak, and Bones pork chop plates with two sides is a must. It is also recommended to try one of their turkey or beef Manhattan’s while in town. Fans 4 The crowd was energetic during our visit and everyone from the student section to the town faithful cheered on their team to victory in the closing seconds. The high school band music echoed throughout the building and everyone seemed to be enjoying the game at hand as they have since 1976. After the game, a few talked about some of their favorite memories and how the crowds used to be only a few short seasons ago. However, I think they’re still pretty good. Access 4 The high school in the gymnasium is located on State Road 27, but there isn’t an interstate within quite a few miles from town. The building itself is designed efficiently to give proper access to all visitors entering and exiting the building. The bathrooms are located in the main lobby of the gym and when the game is over a series of doors exit onto the parking lot. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are $6 in our common with other gymnasiums in the counting. The concession prices are fairly inexpensive and the crowd is always up for a very good time, but it does take a little bit of a trek to arrive at the school. However, that may just be part of the adventure does someone who wants to check out all the gyms in the state of Indiana. Extras 3 The Jay County Gym receives an extra point for honoring the past high schools of the county. There are eight banners hanging up on the wall in the upper deck and the same 8 schools are forever inscribed at the center court. The student section gets a second point for providing much of the boisterous noise throughout the game. The wooden Patriot that sits near the Wall of Fame earns the gym the third point. It is a great opportunity for photos. Final Thoughts The Jay County High School gymnasium is one of the great examples of an Indiana gymnasium. It has the color, the fans, and the Aesthetics to make it a pleasant evening high school hoop during the cold winter months of the year. It may be a bit of a trip, but Eight banners are hanging a lot of fun.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Pan American Center 1810 University Ave Las Cruces, NM 88003 Map It NM State Aggies website Pan American Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 12,573 A-G-G-I-E B-A-L-L Pan American Center is home to New Mexico State men’s and women’s Aggie basketball and volleyball. The arena hosts various other events throughout the year.  The building is celebrating 56 years; it has had several renovations since it first opened in 1968. It sits proudly on the New Mexico State University campus in Las Cruces, NM. The New Mexico State women’s basketball team began playing in the 1973-74 season at the Activity Center.  They moved to the Pan Am Center at the beginning of the 1976-77 season and have been playing there since.  The team won the WAC championship in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019.  They have been to the NCAA Tournament six times.  The Aggies became a member of C*USA (Conference USA) in 2023. Spending a few hours at a women’s Aggie basketball game is enjoyable, fun, and entertaining. It’s well worth the visit. Food & Beverage 3 The arena offers basic stadium fare, enough for a snack during a game.  Sausage and hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn cost $6.  Snacks like churros, jumbo pretzels, Cracker Jack, candy, and pickles run $3 - $5.  Pepsi sodas run $6/$7.  Gatorade and bottled water cost $5.  Domestic beers and raspberry margaritas in a can are for sale as well. Fans can get a combo hot dog, chips, and fountain drink for $9.   The nachos seem to be the favorite item of choice for fans. Atmosphere 5 Aggies women’s basketball does a tremendous job at providing a safe, entertaining, pleasurable game day experience.  Fans enter the seating area and either travel down to the first level of 25 rows of seats or up to a second level.  A walkway is between the two levels.  At the game I went to, the second level was closed off, and it looks like the university is replacing the chair backs and seats in that level.  The seating consists of red plastic fold-down stadium seats ( no cup holders )  on all four sides of the court.  It includes two levels on the court sidelines and one level behind each basket.  The Jag and Linda Cheema Suites fill out an area   behind one of the end zones.    The arena has a nice-looking court with light and dark wood and the NM Aggies logo in the center.  Lots of banners (championship, NCAA tournament appearances, retired numbers) hang from the ceiling.  Photos of outstanding Aggie athletes line the upper outer concourse walls. The venue has a clear, crisp center-hung scoreboard over the courts which shows a video of the game, the score, which team has possession of the ball, time left of the quarter, and more.  The end zones both have scores displayed as well. Besides the game, the organization offers plenty of other entertainment.  A passionate pep band plays often.  Lovely! Wonderful!  And a small dance squad cheers on the team.  The players descend the arena’s stairs to get to the court before introductions and the beginning of the second half.  Other activities include t-shirt tosses, the YMCA dance, a young children’s dance club performing at half-time, dance cams over the video scoreboard, and more. The team has a phenomenal announcer who calls substitutions, who scored a basket, the play on the court, fouls, etc. in a clear, understandable voice.  All this is done without extraneous music played at the same time.  The Aggies baseball game day operations should take lessons from their women’s basketball counterparts. The announcer calls “Out of bound – Aggie Ball ! ”  The crowd responds with “Aggie Ball ! ”  It’s a chuckle full of fun.  Believe me-- it’s much more entertaining when you’re there than can be described in words.  It puts a smile on your face, and you just can’t help but participate. The temperature in the arena is comfortable.  A long-sleeved t-shirt suffices. Finally, the music volume is perfect as you can converse with your neighbor without yelling. Neighborhood 4 The Pan Am Center is near the other on-campus NM State Athletic fields in Las Cruces, NM.  Plenty of restaurants and hotels are within 1 – 2 miles of the arena.  Ten or more restaurants (including fast food) are along University Ave from I-10 to the arena:  I-Hop, Burger King, Panda Express, and Chick-fil-A.  The Game Sports Bar and Grill is a decent pregame place to visit for a beer and a bite.  Weck’s, an NM breakfast/lunch chain, is a worthwhile visit before an afternoon game.  Other things to see and do when visiting Las Cruces include the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum about three miles from Pan Am Center.  The Museum of Science and Nature or the Las Cruces Railroad Museum may also be worth a visit, depending on your interests.  Of course, a visit to see the world’s largest chile pepper may be in order, too! Plenty of hotels are near the university.  The closest are the Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces, Comfort Suites University, and Sleep Inn University.   A whole slew more is within two–three miles of Pan Am Center. Other sports in the area are the Aggies baseball team and the men’s basketball team.  A trip to El Paso, TX (a 45-minute drive) will take you to the El Paso Chihuahuas , AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the San Diego Padres.      Fans 2 Fans of Aggies basketball include students, alumni, families, and others.  The arena is not full for women’s basketball games.  So far this 2023-2024 season, average attendance is 681. This surprises me as it’s such an enjoyable time.  Attendance increases as the season draws closer to spring. Besides playing tunes, the pep band dances, hops, cheers, spins, and fully encourages the players on the court.  It is fantastic to see such enthusiasm.  Access 3 Getting to the Pan Am Center is an easy drive off I-10.  Plenty of free parking surrounds the east and south sides of the arena.  Handicapped parking is available, as are accessible seats.  Check here for more information on accessible features at the arena. Las Cruces does have a bus stop (Aggie Green), but it looks as if it’s operational only Monday-Friday , 7 am – 6 pm, so it may not be suitable for use when attending a game.  Las Cruces Airport is 12+ miles from the university. The venue has a little plaza area with benches outside the ticket office.  It’s a nice place to wait for friends.  The ticket office is a separate building with polite staff manning the booths. Clear bags 12” x 6” 12” are allowed, as are small clutches. Pan Am Center has plenty of clean restrooms on the concourse level. Return on Investment 4 Attending an Aggies women’s basketball game is well worth the price.  They charge only $7 for general admission (you sit wherever you want).  The parking is free.  Food prices are less than in other D1 schools. The university offers an Aggie Country Pass which, for one price ($140 adult, $80 senior, $70 NM State faculty) allows entry to all NM State home soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball, and softball games.   This may be the way to go if you plan on seeing lots of games.  I’ve seen this type of package at other colleges but at far lower pri ce s.   . Extras 3 The fabulous PA announcer deserves an extra mention.  Fans can easily keep score of the game just based on his announcement. The stunning court floor is pleasing to the eye and makes an attractive addition to the arena. All the NM State banners and photos displayed provide visitors with the vast athletic accomplishments the university has produced.  Final Thoughts Attending an Aggies women’s basketball game is a delightful few hours of entertainment and is well worth your sports dollar investment.  It deserves to be more popular than it currently is.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Foster Auditorium 801 6th Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Foster Auditorium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,800 Can't Spike On The Tide Women’s volleyball has been a varsity sport at the University of Alabama since 1974. Despite being overshadowed by the Crimson Tide’s other sports programs, the volleyball team has made five NCAA Tournament appearances as of the writing of this article. The volleyball program called Foster Auditorium home until 1995, when it moved to Coleman Coliseum. After playing at the basketball arena for a few years and in the Coleman Auxiliary Volleyball Extension for a decade, Foster Auditorium received a renovation. It became home to the volleyball program once again in 2011.   Food & Beverage   2 There is one concession stand on the lower level of the venue that sells stadium basics such as hot dogs ($6), pretzels ($7), chips ($3.50), popcorn ($7), candy ($4), peanuts ($6), & cracker jacks ($4). Rita’s Italian Ice ($8.50), milkshakes ($9), frozen drinks ($9), and custard cookie sandwiches ($7) are also offered. Bottled beverages on sale include water ($6), Coca-Cola branded sodas ($6), and Powerade ($6). While alcohol is allowed to be sold at Crimson Tide athletic events, Foster Auditorium does not sell any beer. Atmosphere   3 The main entrance to Foster Auditorium is located by the Malone-Hood Plaza, which is the rear entrance. This is the entrance where the infamous “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door” incident took place in 1963. Within the plaza is the Autherine Lucy Clock Tower, which is named after the first black student to attend the University of Alabama. Upon walking inside the auditorium, the lobby has a table with goodies and a merchandise stand. A hallway has a mirage of Alabama Women’s volleyball and basketball players (the women’s basketball team played at Foster Auditorium from 2011-2016 and still practices there as of the writing of this article). The seating is split into two levels with four rows of high school-style bleachers on the floor of the gym along the length and one end, while the main seating area is on the upper level with seven rows of old-style bleachers in a horseshoe shape. The student section is a massive wall of retractable bleachers at the end of the venue. The team benches are located opposite the bleachers on the floor. The floor is a volleyball court with gray basketball lines painted on (presumably for basketball practice use). The floor had been a basketball court with volleyball lines painted on until a couple of years ago. There are banners commemorating the postseason successes of both the volleyball and women’s basketball teams. LED scoreboards are located behind each set of floor bleachers and the team benches, while a video board is behind the student section. During the starting lineups, each volleyball player will throw a T-shirt into the crowd. The cheerleaders do their part to get the fans and students' energy behind the Tide.   Neighborhood   5 Foster Auditorium is located in the heart of the University of Alabama campus. It is a short walk from Bryant-Denny Stadium, Coleman Coliseum, and Sewell-Thomas Stadium. For families, the Alabama Museum of Natural History is a short walk from Foster Auditorium on the corner of the quad. The venue is not too far from “The Strip,” which is Tuscaloosa’s entertainment district. “There are a plethora of restaurants and bars on “The Strip” and even more options downtown. Local favorites include Jim-N’-Nick’s Bar-B-Q, Taco Mama, and Mugshots Grill and Bar, for lodging, Hotel Capstone is on campus, while downtown has several hotel chains, including Comfort Inn, Homewood Suites, and Embassy Suites.   Fans   3 A typical crowd will have the families and friends of the volleyball players. The student section will have a decent amount of students with “Tide Loyalty” points on offer for priority access to Alabama football tickets. Alabama has various promotions to increase volleyball turnout, including photo ops with “Big Al,” kids' days, and a Greek night for the fraternities and sororities.   Access   3 From I-20/59, turn off exit 73 onto McFarland Boulevard North and drive until you reach the University Boulevard exit. Turn off at that ramp and make a right towards the University of Alabama. Drive until you hit Hackberry Lane and make a left. Foster Auditorium will be on your right. The venue is not the easiest to navigate as the main seating area on the upper level requires a walk up a flight of stairs. The walkways into the seating bowl are also tricky to navigate as the rails are on the end of the aisles, not in the middle. This makes moving around Foster Auditorium trickier than in other venues.   Return on Investment   3 General admission tickets in the upper-level seats are $8 for non-conference matchups and $10 for games against SEC opponents. There is a $3 discount for people under the age of 18, and group tickets are available for $5/person. Season tickets start at $50 for an upper-level seat and $75 for a seat on the floor. A “Four-Pack” of season tickets goes for $160 ($40/person) on the upper level or $240 ($60/person) on the floor. Alabama has twelve home dates in 2024, so a season ticket can be a great value!   Extras   3 Foster Auditorium has a very important place in the history of the civil rights movement in Alabama. The auditorium was where students registered for classes in the 1960s. In 1963, George Wallace attempted to prevent James Hood and Vivian Malone from registering for classes in what is known as “The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door.” The stand took place at the rear door, which is now the main entrance to the auditorium. The venue is where the Alabama women’s basketball team practices and where women’s games were played in the early 2010s. A new practice facility is being built for the men’s basketball team, which will see the women’s team move their practices to Coleman Coliseum. The most points scored by an individual player in an SEC game happened at Foster Auditorium. LSU’s Pete Maravich dropped 69 points against Alabama on February 7, 1970. That was the Division 1 record for over two decades until Kevin Bradshaw broke it in 1991. Final Thoughts There is a lot of history at Foster Auditorium, both inside and out. It played host to one of the most significant events in the civil rights movement. From an athletic standpoint, it saw college basketball history. There is no reason Alabama Volleyball can’t make some history of its own at Foster Auditorium.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Marsh Field 1800 Peck St. Muskegon, MI 49441 Muskegon Clippers website Marsh Field website Year Opened: 1916 Capacity: 600 Muskegon's Century Old Ballpark Marsh Field in Muskegon, Michigan, has been the home to all levels of baseball, from high school, minor league, and women’s professional teams since May 4, 1916. It has been the home of the Muskegon Clippers of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate team since 2015, and they continue the tradition left by many others in the past. Charles W. Marsh, a prominent industrialist, civic leader, and president of minor league clubs in Muskegon, spearheaded construction. He purchased four square blocks of property in the center of town and built a modern facility to attract a new team to town after one of the city’s ballparks was dismantled and replaced with homes. The new stadium would eventually seat 6,000 people. It would be home to various minor league teams, including the Muskegon Red and the original Clippers, which served as parent clubs for the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees, respectively. The Tigers sponsored the 1940 team and provided funds to upgrade Marsh Field, including additional open bleacher seating. Marsh Field was home to the Muskegon Lassies of the All-American Girls Baseball League from 1946-1950. The Lassies averaged close to 2,500 people per game. The large crowds might have been attributed to the light towers installed for the first time. In 1953, the Muskegon Belles of the AAGPBL would call the stadium home before folding, concluding an era of professional baseball at Marsh Field and in Muskegon. The field was in squalid conditions when current Clippers management took over the field in 2015. Every dime collected by the team has been put back into the stadium and has included a new infield, scoreboard, party deck seating, paint job, stadium seating, and improved lighting and sound system. Food & Beverage 3 A small concession stand at the front of the seating bowl ramp offers hot dogs, brats, and nachos between $3 and $4. Fans order by the bun and take it to the grill, where a sizzling brat or dog is served to them directly. Other items include candy, chips, popcorn, and peanuts. Coca-Cola products sell for $2.50 a bottle. An alcohol kiosk in the seating bowl includes cans of Bud, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. Nutrl Hard Seltzers and local Unruly Brewing Company cans are available between $4-$5, but a dollar off when the beer batter strikes out. Atmosphere 3 The Clippers provided a pleasant atmosphere for home games at Marsh Field. The venue offers food, beverages, merchandise, plenty of fans, and baseball. The 600-seat stadium is separated into bleacher seats and stadium seats, along with small party decks and suites at each end of the concourse. A merchandise kiosk is down the ramp from the seating bowl. An impressive collection of t-shirts and caps are available and nicely displayed. The small concession stand and grill move fans quickly during the game. A small decorative scoreboard is behind right-center field. A historical plaque is at the entrance, detailing the field’s history in Muskegon. The atmosphere is similar to other ballparks in the league from Lima, Royal Oak, and Grand Lake. It is intimate, affordable, and pleasant during a summer's evening. Neighborhood 4 Marsh Field is located 1.5 miles from downtown Muskegon where there are more than a few options for food and drink before or after the ball game. Trinity Health Area is the home to indoor soccer, junior hockey, and indoor football, but it also anchors two eating establishments: Rad Dad’s Taco & Tequila and Carlise’s Restaurant. Visitors can eat inside while watching a sporting event at the arena, or take a walk around the concourse to get a personal tour of the sports venue. Rad Dad’s offers $1 tacos on Tuesdays, and Carlise’s has a happy hour menu between 2 pm-6 pm. Across the street is Dr. Rolf’s Barbecue, and next to the arena is Topshelf Pizza Liquor & Bar. All four establishments provide patio seating for customers in a lively downtown atmosphere. The Muskegon Museum of History & Science at the Lakeshore Museum Center is around the corner from these restaurants. A few miles outside downtown are the white-sand beaches of Pere Marquette Park. Visitors can stroll through the sands, take a dip in Lake Michigan, or hang out at The Deck, where barbecue and music take center stage at the double-decker restaurant. Fans 4 The Clippers have a great fan base that supports the club throughout the season. The fan support is similar in a few other Great Lakes Leagues of similar size. Fans wear Clippers t-shirts and caps, and local groups provide ample support on most nights. Access 3 Marsh Field is small and easy to get around. A small concourse separates the bleacher seats from the box seats. Concessions, bathrooms, and a merchandise kiosk are outside the seating bowl area. A large parking lot provides enough space for cars. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $5, seniors 65 and older are $3, students are $3, and kids under 5 years old are free. Parking is free of charge, t-shirts are $20, while caps are $30. Concession prices range from $3-$4 for a hot dog or nachos, and beer prices are $4-$5 a can. Extras 3 Marsh Field earns a point for hosting baseball since 1916. A second point for the Clipper's array of t-shirts and caps at reasonable prices. A final point for the beer batter that takes a $1 off beer when the batter strikes out. Final Thoughts Marsh Field has seen plenty of baseball played since 1916, and the Clippers continue that tradition in the Great Lakes League. The cozy, intimate conditions of the ballpark and proximity to downtown Muskegon and nearby beaches are ideal travel sports for the baseball traveler during the summer months of June and July. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field 2302 Phil George Drive San Angelo, TX 76909 Angelo State Rams website LeGrand Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 5,670 Angelo State Rams – LeGrand Stadium Nestled on the banks of the flowing Concho River lies the West Texas city of San Angelo. The city, originally founded as a military town when the U.S. Army founded Fort Concho in the 1860s, is also home to Angelo State University and its athletics team, the Rams . Angelo State first fielded a football team in time for the 1964 season and competed for several years at the NAIA level before gradually moving up to their current level of Division II. Throughout their history, the Rams have found quite a bit of success, claiming the NAIA National Championship in 1978 as well as three conference titles. Since 2014 the Rams have called LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field their home. Built right on campus with the field sunk low below the bleachers, the stadium is state-of-the-art, with new field turf, a new press box, and new visitor bleachers. As the proverbial only game in town, the Rams have cultivated a pretty rabid fan base that shows out at LeGrand Stadium. Read on to learn what makes the stadium special. Food & Beverage 3 There are two main concession stands for fans at LeGrand Stadium. Both offer a sampling of your traditional game day fare including hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, bottled soft drinks, water, and energy drinks. What makes these true Texas concessions – and raises them above-average in my opinion – is the selling of Frito pies and hot links. I can think of nothing better to chow down on during a football game on a Saturday than either one, or both, of these favorites. You might need a helping of antacids afterward depending on your gastrointestinal fortitude, but I would recommend trying these for yourself if you’ve never partaken. Other offerings include a Bahama Buck’s shaved ice and snow-cones truck parked near the home team stands. These hit the spot during those early Saturdays on the schedule, where temps hover near triple digits. They are also perennial favorites for younger fans, while for older fans there are also two beer tents, one on each side of the stadium. Atmosphere 4 I’m a fan of the style of the stadium they have at Angelo State – there is something special to me about walking down into a stadium. Fans can watch the West Texas sunset and the moon rise from their seats. It’s a great environment and I think a great setting for football. Other areas of interest to take in include the statue of Dominic the Ram, the school’s first live mascot, which sits behind the end zone near the Angelo State athletics center. It is a mighty impressive sight to take in and, quite frankly, a great photo op for fans/visitors to the stadium. The ram seems to stand watch over the other special atmospheric feature, a battery of Civil War-era re-enactors from the nearby Fort Concho National Historic Landmark and their era-appropriate cannon. This massive beast fires off after every Rams score and it is a sight to behold – and to hear. Another spot to be on the lookout for is the team merchandise tent, adjacent to the home-side concessions stand. It offers all manner of Angelo State Rams memorabilia and apparel for fans. I will touch more on the fans in that section, but their involvement the entire time made the most recent game I attended a real treat. Neighborhood 3 The city of San Angelo is, as mentioned, one rich in history. As such there are quite a few points of interest for fans of Texas/Western/American/Military history. With that in mind, for history buffs, the remnants of the previously mentioned Fort Concho, Fort McKavett , and Fort Chadbourne are all within driving distance of downtown San Angelo. Other points of interest nearby include the International Waterlily Collection , which is the top tourist spot in the city. This vast collection of every known variety of waterlily is housed in a beautiful setting and is a great way to spend an afternoon walking, taking photos, or just learning about this exotic flora. Also, not to be missed is the San Angelo Riverwalk ; this beautiful stretch along the banks of the Concho River is a place where residents come to exercise, listen to concerts, fish, and even play golf at the nine-hole Santa Fe Golf Course. For dining and hotel options there are quite a few to choose from, with many within a short drive of the Angelo State campus. In terms of grub, I cannot recommend the Western Sky Steakhouse enough – it quickly became my favorite restaurant in San Angelo. Serving up steaks (naturally), salads, and Tex-Mex, it is a go-to spot for locals and I completely get why. Alternatively, closer to campus is the Cork & Pig Tavern , a gastropub serving craft beer and wood-fired oven pizzas. For hotels, there are plenty of mid-level chain options to choose from, as well as quite a few vacation rental options. Near the stadium is the Wingate by Wyndham San Angelo and the Staybridge Suites San Angelo, an IHG Hotel ; both are a 12- to 13-minute walk or five-minute car ride to LeGrand Stadium. Fans 4 The Angelo State Rams averaged over 3,500 fans per home game in 2022. With a facility the size of LeGrand Stadium, that is virtually full, I would hazard a guess that the home team stands are generally always full. I was fortunate to attend Angelo State’s most recent homecoming game, and anecdotally this looked like a sellout to me. The stands were packed and there were also a lot of fans standing for the entire game along the railing behind the south end zone. From my perspective, the vast majority of fans on that night came decked out in Rams gear and were vocal and engaged the entire time. In short, it was pretty much the perfect atmosphere for a college football game. Access 3 As mentioned, San Angelo is tucked out in West Texas, which is arguably the most remote part of the state. Getting there is going to be a bit of a chore. Driving-wise, the closest big city to try and tackle it from is San Antonio, which is three hours away. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is four hours, Austin is three and a half hours away, and Houston and El Paso are both six hours from San Angelo. The one shorter way to get there is via the San Angelo Regional Airport. American Airlines runs a daily flight to and from San Angelo from DFW International Airport; this would considerably cut down on your travel time if you go this route. Once on-site, there isn’t much in the way of public transportation to speak of, but ridesharing is available. If you are driving, parking is plentiful and – best of all – free in and around unmarked spots on the Angelo State campus. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for Angelo State Rams games at LeGrand Stadium start at $12 per for general admission seating and $15 for reserved seats; the difference between bleachers and individual seat backs. I can also say from experience that the cost of concessions is remarkably affordable. I have been to many college – and even high school – games where the cost for the same items on sale is exponentially higher in cost. You’ll get a good bargain here, especially when you consider the free parking and the caliber of opponents that Angelo State regularly plays. Extras 4 Angelo State brings out all the pageantry of college football to their games, big time. First off the Ram Band , which is one of the largest small-school marching bands I’ve ever seen, performs before games, at halftime, and, to their credit, plays throughout the game and at the right times (e.g., when the opposing team is on offense). Also on hand are the Angelo State Cheerleaders and the Angelettes , the school’s dance team. The cheerleaders do their bit throughout the game on the sidelines, while the dance team performs during intermissions and at halftime. Last are the mascots, which I have to admit is my favorite tradition in all of sports. As mentioned above, Angelo State has a live ram as its mascot. Dominic the Ram is a pretty impressive sight to behold on the sidelines during Angelo State games – I am a fan of any team that has a live mascot, and a Ram is always a pretty awesome sight to see. On the other end of the spectrum are the Angelo State costumed mascots, Roscoe D. Ram and Bella D. Ram . Both man the sidelines during games and are around for photo ops. Final Thoughts I wasn’t sure what to expect on my visit to Angelo State, but I came away mighty impressed with the whole operation. The stadium looked good, the atmosphere was electric, and the costs were shockingly low. I’ve been to far bigger stadiums that were far less fun. I wouldn’t put LeGrand Stadium on any bucket list (unless you’ve got one like mine), but I think you could do a whole lot worse on a Saturday in West Texas than taking in an Angelo State Rams game. --- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Harlen Hunter Stadium 209 South Kingshighway St. Charles, MO 63301 Lindenwood Lions website Harlen Hunter Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 6,000 The Mane Attraction Lindenwood University is a private university located in St. Charles, Missouri. It is the second oldest higher education institution west of the Missouri River, as it was founded in 1827. The university has an enrollment of 6,900 and offers degree programs in more than 80 areas of study. Lindenwood’s athletic teams are known as the Lions. The school has steadily progressed through various competition levels to Division I status in 2022. They began at the NAIA level (1999-2011), moved up to Division II level (2012-2021), then up to Division I status in 2022. The teams are not eligible for NCAA Championship tournaments until 2025. Lion athletic teams compete in the Ohio Valley Conference, which includes teams including the University of Missouri-Little Rock, Eastern Illinois, Morehead State, Southeastern Missouri, Southern Illinois, Tennessee State and Tennessee-Martin. The Lions football program is relatively young, as it first fielded a team in 1990.It was very successful at the NAIA level, making the playoffs four times (2004, 2008, 2009 and 2010). Lindenwood played in the 2009 NAIA National Championship game, which it lost. The home of Lindenwood Lions football is the on-campus Harlen Hunter Stadium. It opened in 1975 as the preseason training facility for the St. Louis Cardinals of the NFL, and has a capacity of 6,000 seats, including three sections of club seats. It is named for Dr Harlen C. Hunter, a prominent physician, and the founder of the St. Louis Orthopedic Medicine Clinic. The facility stays busy throughout the year, as it hosts football, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse and rugby. Food & Beverage 4 Hunter Stadium has one main concession stand, with 5 single item stands located along the concourse areas of the stadium. These stands include Chick-fil-A, Pepsi, Kona Ice and Shamrock Brewing Company. The main stand offers pretzel bites ($3), popcorn ($2), nachos ($3), hot dogs ($3), grilled brats ($4), Italian beef sandwiches ($5), potato chips ($2) and frozen custard ($3). Drinks offered at the central concession stand include Pepsi brand sodas ($3), Gatorade ($3), bottled water ($3), coffee ($3), and hot chocolate ($3). Beer is available at the Shamrock Brewing stand only. The number of concessions stands at Harlen Stadium has been increased in anticipation of larger crowds at the FCS level of NCAA football. Atmosphere 4 Harlen Hunter Stadium offers a very enjoyable experience in which to watch football. The seats are predominately bleacher seating and are close to the action on three sides of the field. The stadium offers a striking graphics package, with a huge lion logo at the 50-yard line and a gold and black color scheme in the two end zones. A large videoboard is located behind the south end zone, while a more basic scoreboard that provides the time left, the score and the location of the line of scrimmage is hung above the student section in the north end zone. Due to multiple sports being played in the stadium, the field features an artificial turf surface, which prevents the game from becoming a mud bath. The field also features a state-of-the-art lighting system, as well as a two-level press box. Neighborhood 4 Lindenwood University is in St. Charles, MO, a town of 65,000 located on the west bank of the Missouri River. It is located 24 miles west of St. Louis via I-70. St. Charles was one of the first settlements west of the Missouri River, as it was settled in 1769. It served as the starting point for the Lewis and Clark expeditions and was the home of Daniel Boone before he moved to Kentucky. As you can imagine, St. Charles has a large and active historic district, with many attractions. Among the sites you will want to visit while you are in town are the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum and the Frenchtown District. The Schlafly Bankside Brewpub is in the Historic District as well. It is designed to look like a pub of the 1700’s vintage. While in town, you’ll want to visit the many shops and restaurants in the Historic District. Both the Fairfield Inn and the Comfort Inn offer reasonable rates are close to both the Lindenwood campus and the St. Charles Historic District. Fans 5 Lindenwood parents and students are thrilled to be playing at the Division I level. They are very welcoming to visitors, as the school has a strict code of conduct. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have once you arrive at the campus. Fans arrive early for games, as tailgating begins three hours before kickoff. A Lion Pride Tailgate offers Lion fans an opportunity to meet, eat and drink before the games. The tailgate is held in front of the Fieldhouse. There are several vendor tents, including Royal Liquors, Bougie Bites, Luxury Bash Services, the St. Louis Ambush, and Pepsi. Shortly before the gates open, the tailgating crowd is fired up by appearances by the Lions Cheerleaders, the Lion mascot Leo, and a performance by the Lion Pride Marching Band. Once the games get underway, the Lions fans show that even if they are new to Division I, they’re not newbies when showing their support for the team. The parents and the alums are very vocal, as are the students at the school. The student section (known as the Uproar section) is set behind one of the end zones and is sponsored by the Raising Cane restaurant. We think this name is very appropriate in describing what the students do throughout the game. Access 4 Getting to and from a Lindenwood football game is quite easy. The school is easily accessed from either I-70 or I-64, the two major interstates in the area. From I-70 (St. Louis area): Take I-70 W across the Blanchette Bridge over the Missouri River. Take exit #228 and turn right onto First Capitol Drive. Go ¾ mile to the intersection with Kingshighway. Turn left onto Kingshighway and enter the Lindenwood campus. Volunteers will direct you to the appropriate parking lot. From I-64 (Chesterfield, MO area): From Chesterfield take I-64 and travel west across the Daniel Boone Bridge over the Missouri River. Take exit #10 and turn right on Highway 94. Head north and cross over I-70. Highway 94 becomes First Capitol Drive. Proceed to the intersection with Kingshighway and turn left. This will bring you into the Lindenwood campus. Volunteers will direct you to the appropriate parking lot. Gates open 60 minutes before kickoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. Return on Investment 5 Going to a game at Harlen Hunter Stadium will not break your budget. All single game tickets are considered general admission seats. The tickets cost $15 a game. There are three sections (104,105 and 106) that feature chairbacks and are considered season ticket holder/ box seats. The general admission seats are bench seating. The concession stand prices are very reasonable. There is no charge for parking on the Lindenwood campus on gamedays. Extras 4 In addition to Lindenwood University athletic events, Hunter Stadium has hosted the Women’s NAIA National Championship Game in soccer in 2001 and 2002 and hosted the National Championship Game for Women’s Lacrosse as well. The venue was also the site of a soccer friendly between St. Louis FC and the Chicago Fire of the MLS. A student -athletic center was recently added to the area behind the south end zone. This facility provides locker rooms, training areas and meeting space for all the sports teams at Lindenwood. Five players from Lindenwood have gone on to play in the NFL. Lindenwood will soon begin a tradition of rivalry games, as they will be playing two opponents (Eastern Illinois and Southern Illinois) from the nearby state of Illinois, as well as an in-state rival in the form of Southeast Missouri State University. Final Thoughts Division I football has returned to the St. Louis metropolitan area for the first time since 1949 in the form of the Lindenwood Lions. The school is thrilled to be in Division I, and they look forward to creating an uproar in the Ohio Valley Conference. Harlen Hunter Stadium is a wonderful place to watch the Lions games.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Pelham Civic Complex 500 Amphitheater Road Pelham, AL 35124 Birmingham Bulls website Pelham Civic Complex website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,100 Pelham Civic Complex – Birmingham Bulls Approximately 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabama is the suburban city of Pelham, home of Pelham Civic Complex and the Birmingham Bulls. There has been some form of hockey under the name Birmingham Bulls off and on since 1976, with teams playing in the World Hockey Association (1976-79), the Central Hockey League (1979-81), the ECHL (1997–2001). These versions of the Bulls would play at the now Legacy Arena . Hockey would make just a one-year return to the Birmingham area for the 2003-04 season, this time in Pelham with the Alabama Slammers of the World Hockey Association 2. Following a thirteen-year hockey hiatus the current incarnation of the Birmingham Bulls would come to fruition in the Southern Professional Hockey League at Pelham Civic Complex in 2017. Food & Beverage 5 The food available at Pelham Civic Complex might be the deepest in all minor league sports, and quite possibly could stand up against just about any major league franchise. From burgers to dogs and sausages, to wings and pizza, entrée options are almost endless. Snacks include the usual chips and candy, but dive deep into fried pickles, fried okra, hush puppies, and even mini corn dogs. Combo meals including catfish nuggets, BBQ sandwiches, or a Cuban sandwich. Beer and liquor are plentiful as well, but beer options are more centered around domestic brands, with not much of a craft beer selection. Also, having three primary concession stands and four bars spaced around the arena helps keep lines and wait times down. Atmosphere 3 With its low roof line, it’s hard to picture a four thousand seat hockey arena inside Pelham Civic Complex. Within the playing area black seats encircle the rink, but do not make the playing area feel too small, but rather give it more of a cozy feel. The size of the arena is just about the perfect size for the Bulls and their fans. A four-sided scoreboard hangs above center ice, but given the low roof, the panels on each side are shorter than most scoreboards, even those in smaller arenas. During play the scoreboard shows a live feed of the action on the ice, and gives time, score, and shots-on-goal totals, along with any time remaining on power plays. During breaks in the action it is also used for hype videos and advertisements. There is plenty to keep fans entertained throughout the game, including fan cams, on-ice contests, and engaging music to keep fans entertained during stoppages in play. Also the team mascot, Toro, makes appearances around the arena and on ice. There is not a bad seat in the house – when choosing a seat, sitting at the top of the sections help eliminate a semi-distorted view created by a portion of the ice having glass in front of it, as the rest is unobstructed. Fans with accessibility needs have a section dedicated to providing them with a full-length view of the ice, rather than sitting mostly below the sideboards. Neighborhood 3 Pelham Civic Complex is tucked behind a row of gas stations, hotels, and regional and national chain restaurants that connect I-65 and Pelham Parkway. However, the arena has such a wide variety of choices on its concessions menu that a pre-game meal might not be necessary. If you are still looking to grab a bite before or after the game, though, nearby Creekside BBQ would be a good choice. Beer enthusiasts might also enjoy a visit to The Beer Hog with its two-hundred craft beers and sixty-five taps. Nature lovers might enjoy exploring the nearby Oak Mountain State Park with its various outdoor activities. The arena is also neighbored by Oak Mountain Amphitheater, and sits across the street from a still in-progress, mixed-use development that will feature restaurants, retail shops, and apartments. Fans 4 Fans start piling up at the arena’s metal detectors about an hour before the doors open. The inadvertent clatter of cowbells also rattles up and down the line in anticipation of being allowed in. A group of rather rambunctious fans pick the seats at the far end of the rink, right behind the visiting goalie. They have dubbed themselves the “10H8 Rowdy Bunch” – this bunch is quick to heckle anyone on the ice who is not in a Bulls sweater, by comparing their performance to that of a vacuum. Fans work themselves into a frenzy at the announcement of a power play. This is when the previously clattered cowbells are now paired with the sound of a vuvuzela, as the fans stomp and clap in hopes the Bulls are able to muster a power play goal. Access 3 Pelham Civic Complex is located less than a mile off Interstate-65 heading into Birmingham. With Birmingham being the junction of four major interstate highways (I-20, I-22, I-59, and I-65), the area is accessible from several of the metropolitan areas in the southeast. Once at the arena, most parking is to the right side of the building, and is just a short walk to the front entrance, which is the only entry point for non-season ticket holders. Season ticket holders have a VIP entrance on the main parking lot side of the building. The main lobby fills quickly as fans file in to purchase apparel, Chuck-a-Puck opportunities, jersey raffles, and 50/50 tickets. It can take a bit of work to get through the lobby at first, but as fans start moving toward their seats the lobby empties out. There are four main entry points into the rink – two doorways enter directly to a small area of seats on either side of the near end of the arena, while two other entry points are used to access seats on each side of the ice. To the left of the main entrance, fans will walk upstairs to an inner walkway that wraps two-thirds around the rink, and make their way down to their seats from there. To the right fans, walk below the stands and come through tunnels to get to the seating area; either side of the rink is easily accessible. Return on Investment 3 Prices for tickets are not substantially expensive, but they might be a tick higher than expected for minor league hockey. Typical general admission tickets run $15 plus another $5 for parking, so fans are $20 in before walking through the doors. Inside the arena, well-priced concessions do a good job balancing out the ticket and parking rates. Most snacks of substance are $6-$7, while baskets, such as entrées with fries, are $10. Extras 2 The Birmingham Bulls app allows fans to take part in interactive in-game contests, as well as check game stats in real time. In the SPHL, almost every night seemingly has a theme, gate giveaway, or jersey auction – there always seems to be something special going on at each game. Final Thoughts When you move away from the bright lights and thousands upon thousands of seats at the highest levels of professional hockey, you tend to find some of the most passionate fan bases in all sports. These levels allow fans to make personal connections with players and vice versa. Fans in these arenas care deeply about their teams, and that feeling bleeds through to the enjoyment of attending a Bulls hockey game.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sutter Health Park 400 Ballpark Dr West Sacramento, CA 95691 Athletics website Sutter Health Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 14,014 The Athletics Temporary Home in Sacramento The saga of the Oakland Athletics under owner John Fisher has reached its nadir as the team is playing out of a minor league park in Sacramento for three seasons while their new ballpark in Las Vegas is being constructed. It's embarrassing for Fisher, and MLB should be ashamed for letting it happen. Unfortunately, the Oakland Coliseum proved to be only a temporary solution, as the allure of Las Vegas ultimately drew the team away from the Bay Area.  Still, baseball politics are not in the scope of stadium reviews, and we want to have every stadium covered, so we made a trip to California's capital city to see how the no-name Athletics (their team isn't even using Sacramento) are faring at Sutter Health Park. Food & Beverage 4 There are several large fixed concession stands at the back of the concourse with a wide variety of choices. Most intriguing was Coop and Kennel Pub, where a Pastrami Fry will set you back $16, while a Pastrami Dog is $14. The Golden Spike Chophouse has more traditional offerings, such as Chicken Tenders & Fries ($15), Cheeseburger & Fries ($16), and a Crispy Fried Chicken Sub ($13).  Oso's Mexican Cantina has you covered if you prefer a bit of a kick, with loaded nachos going for $18, a walking taco for $15, a $13 burrito, and a Fiesta Salad for $15. Pizza and Pints is your spot, with a Grandma cheese slice at $12 - another buck will get you pepperoni on top of that. They also have garlic knots with marinara sauce for $14. Bridges Grille has paintings of the Golden Gate Bridge and nearby Tower Bridge (over which fans coming from downtown will walk), and its specialty items are Loaded Mac 'n' Cheese ($15) and a Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog ($15). All fixed stands offer the same standard fare, including hot dogs ($7, a jumbo is $13 while a veggie version is $9), jumbo soft pretzels ($7, $10 with cheese), popcorn ($9), and Cracker Jack ($7). There are also several portable stands, including Ciders and Sliders, that offer pulled pork or brisket sliders for $16. The Sweet Spot offers desserts, including milkshakes and a root beer float option, for $9, the same price as soft serve ice cream in a helmet. Pepsi products are available, with a souvenir cup priced at $9 and refills costing $3 — a worthwhile deal if you're attending multiple games. A regular fountain soda costs $7, and bottled beverages are available for $6. Beer is widely available starting at $15 for American lager, while the premium pour will set you back an extra couple of dollars. There is a beer garden in the left field corner that is open to the public, and you can enjoy your brews there in the shade before the game.   Atmosphere 3 Sutter Health Park Right Field Gate, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey It is a minor league ballpark and a good one, but it doesn't meet the standards of an MLB stadium. After walking over the iconic bright yellow bridge, you enter via the Right Field Gate (above), with no waiting as there are so few fans (the team has yet to sell out at the time of this writing, averaging about 9,800). Upon entering, you will find yourself next to the lawn, which is in the sun for the early part of the game. About the third inning during night games, the sun will have disappeared behind a large advertisement atop the roof. As you stroll through the open concourse, you’ll notice poles adorned with artwork created by children when the stadium first opened in 2000. Today, many of those young artists likely have children of their own, making it a special experience to return and share their early creations with the next generation. The seating bowl is typical for AAA parks, with 30 rows of sunbeaten green seats in each section. Around home plate, there are only a few seats in each row, but as you move up and towards the outfield, the rows get longer. The seating capacity is 10,624, with room for 3,390 more on the lawn and standing. The team has yet to sell out and is averaging 9,781, about 71 fans less than Tampa in their minor league stadium.  A rarity at a major league ballpark: the starting lineup written in marker. Retired numbers can be found along the concourse past third base, near the beer garden, while a banner celebrating the ball club's nine World Series titles is on a wall behind the outfield fence. Broadcasters throw plush baseballs to the crowd behind home plate during the 7th-inning stretch, which certainly gets people on their feet. It should be noted that the A’s renovated the park to meet MLB standards, adding new baseball-themed lights and a clubhouse behind the left field wall (it's fun to watch an ejected manager trundle out there), as well as an impressive scoreboard. Neighborhood 4 Sutter Health Park is located in West Sacramento, just across the river from Old Sacramento, a cool little tourist area with several bars and eateries. My recommendation is Fanny Ann's Saloon, where you get 20 percent off food and drink if you show your game ticket. Their kitchen closes at 10 pm, so this is better for pregaming if attending a night game. The staff and regulars are very friendly if you can get a seat at the bar.  If you are looking for something afterwards, Honey and the Trapcat has a kitchen open until 2 a.m. as well as a good beer selection. If you prefer chain restaurants, you will appreciate the weekday happy hour (half-priced appetizers and discounts on beer) at Yard House, part of the Downtown Commons (DoCo) area just a couple of minutes away. If you're looking for something filling that won't break the bank, try Bistro Bravado's breakfast burrito, a meal and a half for just $10. There are dozens of other choices throughout downtown, so there should be something for everyone. In terms of attractions, the State Capitol is the most obvious; see if you can find the painting of Arnie, who once governed here. The California State Capitol Museum is on site. Meanwhile, in Old Sacramento, you will find the California State Railroad Museum, while the Museum of Science and Curiosity is a few minutes north. Art aficionados will enjoy the Crocker Art Museum just south of Old Sacramento. If you are flying in, you do not need a car here as the bus to and from the airport is quick. I generally recommend staying downtown as there is enough to see and do, and you can walk to the stadium. The Holiday Inn Downtown is one option, while the Embassy Suites is right at the foot of the Tower Bridge. There is also a light rail system that will take you to the suburbs, such as Rancho Cordova, though not too many tourists will need to use it. One thing to note is that homelessness has become quite a problem in Sacramento, and you will see it on every block as you make your way around downtown.  Fans 3 The team is averaging about 70 percent of capacity, with many of them seeing the visiting team. It makes sense, as why would you invest time as a resident if the team is going to leave in a couple of years? There's already minor league ball for a lot less. Still, the fans who attend are cheering for the Athletics and are friendly to visiting fans, which is all you can ask for. Access 4 The stadium sits right alongside I-5. If you're driving, it's best to take the downtown exit and park in one of the garages at DoCo or Old Sacramento, then walk across the Tower Bridge to the stadium. While there is parking available near the stadium, rates are as high as $80, which is pretty outrageous. If you're staying downtown, walking is the way to go, and it seems like about half the fans choose that option. Inside, the concourse does get crowded at times, but there are no issues with concession lines or restrooms.  Return on Investment 2 Tickets start at $25 for lawn "seats", but you have to sign up for a text service, and every morning, these seats are released via a link sent by SMS to your phone. The remaining normal seats are also sold at a significant discount via this link, so this is worth doing. The regular ticket prices are absurd ($60 for lawn seats, $150+ for those in the infield), and you should be able to find better and cheaper options on the secondary market. For example, I found a seat four rows behind the visiting dugout for just $34, something that would cost much more at every other ballpark. There is a small club with seats on the second level above first base. Known as the Solon Club after the minor league teams that played here for most of the 20th century, a regular ticket is $220, making it the biggest rip-off in baseball, as the seats are in the sun for the first few innings, and the food offerings are limited to hot dogs, brats, links, iceberg lettuce wedges, and fresh fruit. Beer and wine are free, but you'd have to have 15 of them to get your money's worth. If attending multiple games and you are able to get in here for $30 on the secondary market, it is worth the experience, but not for much more. Extras 2 The club area can be reached by two staircases, with the one near third base featuring a small exhibit on the region’s baseball history. The display highlights the legacy of the Sacramento Solons — a name carried by several minor league teams over the past century. If you ask politely, you should be allowed to have a look; there is also a bobblehead collection on the top shelf. Final Thoughts Overall, Sutter Health Park is ideal for AAA ball, but far too small to host a major league team. Still, that does give you a chance to see the big club in cozy conditions for far less than at a major league stadium (assuming you luck out on the secondary market), so there is some upside, as long as you were not a fan of the Oakland Athletics.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Soldier Field 1410 Museum Campus Dr Chicago, IL 60605 Chicago Bears website Soldier Field website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 61,500 Bears Soldier ON Soldier Field is known as the oldest stadium in the NFL, as its construction and opening date back to 1924. The first issue with that is that it was originally called Grant Park Municipal Stadium. The name was changed to Soldier Field in 1925 at the request of the Gold Star Mothers. The second issue with this honor is that it did not become an NFL stadium until 1971 when the Bears moved over from Wrigley Field. It also was built in stages running from 1922-1939 during its original construction. At the conclusion of this period, the stadium could hold more than 100,000 fans. Soldier Field lives up to its name as there are numerous salutes to the armed forces both inside and outside of the venue. A statue of a World War I “doughboy” is in the southern end of the stadium, while a veteran’s memorial water wall is in the northern end of the facility. There have been numerous renovations since the 1930s, with the most massive taking place in 2002. This renovation demolished the interior of the stadium, leaving only the exterior façade of the stadium intact. These include the iconic columns that one thinks of when you think of the classic Soldier Field. The renovations so altered the stadium that it had its Historic Landmark status removed. The changes were ridiculed as the seating bowl inserted inside the exterior walls was much higher than the exterior, leaving the impression of a flying saucer landing on top of Soldier Field. Many locals referred to it as the “Eyesore on the Lakeshore”. However, there were good intentions to this remodel, as the purpose was to bring the stands closer to the field to provide a better view for the fans. They were successful in this accomplishment as only MetLife Stadium in New Jersey has seats closer to the action. Today’s version of Soldier Field offers seating for 61,500 and more than 115 luxury suites. Food & Beverage 4 Chicago is a foodie town, and the concessions available at Soldier Field tend to provide the best the city has to offer. South Marche offers Chicago dogs as well as Chicago-style pizza. Second City Pizza offers cheese, sausage, and Buona Italian beef pizzas. Gastro Pub 1410 carries hoagies and a great set of chicken wings. If you are in the mood for brats, the Stockyard Grill will fill the bill. Portage Park is known for its terrific Polish sausages. Buona Beef offers a delicious Italian beef sandwich. BBQ lovers can choose from either County BBQ or Bronzeville BBQ for chicken, pork or great ribs. Burger lovers should head over to DMK where they will have a choice of several delicious burgers. Atmosphere 4 Architectural concerns aside, Soldier Field is a great place to watch an NFL game. The seating bowl does provide excellent sightlines to the field. The videoboards in the stadium measure 128 ft X 40 ft and provide a crystal-clear picture. The Bears have a long tradition going back to the creation of the NFL and the long coaching career of Coach George Halas. The field here is grass, as artificial turf simply does not belong on a football field in the city of Chicago. Even though some of the Bear greats like Sayers and Ditka did not play in this stadium they belong to the same heritage of later heroes such as Mike Singletary, Walter Payton, and William “The Fridge” Perry, who did play at Soldier Field and teamed up to bring the city of Chicago its most recent Super Bowl victory. The Bears have a great deal of pride in their gameday experience for the fans. They offer four different areas of pregame entertainment and the areas around the stadium open 4 hours prior to the game, giving fans plenty of time to enjoy tailgating with their friends and getting fired up for the game. The stadium gates also open two hours prior to the kickoff, allowing fans more time to enjoy themselves with their seatmates. The NFC North is almost like the “Original Six” in the NHL. Each of the teams in the conference has ties back to the beginning of the NFL. It is one of the most competitive conferences in the NFL, with every in-conference game close no matter what the team records are. All of this adds up to a great atmosphere to enjoy a fall afternoon at Soldier Field. Neighborhood 3 Soldier Field is located off Lakeshore Drive, Chicago’s front door to Lake Michigan. Its immediate neighbors on the Museum Campus include the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. Between the deepness of the parkland and the vast wideness of Lakeshore Drive, the bus lanes and CTA tracks it is nearly a mile before you would find the small neighborhood taverns and other gathering places that typically surround stadiums. If you head north on Lakeshore and you will find all sorts of restaurants and several forms of entertainment along the famous Navy Pier. One of the most popular destinations along Lakeshore Drive for a selfie is the Bean sculpture, which provides a reflection of you in a very distorted way. The Chicago Lakefront District also is a great place to get some exercise. There are running trails that go on for miles or you can rent a bike and cruise safely along the lakefront in designated bike lanes. We advise you to take part in one of the many fan entertainment areas surrounding Soldier Field. They range from family-friendly entertainment to areas where hardcore fans can get their pregame football fix. When game time grows near, you don’t want to find yourself a great distance from the stadium as the lines get very long just before kickoff. Fans 5 Unlike, baseball, where the allegiances are split between the northside/southside, Chicagoans are all Bears fans. This has been true for generations of families due to the team’s long history. Bears fans are amongst the most loyal fans in the NFL. They are easy to spot, as the dress code on gameday is wearing the classic jersey of your favorite Bears player. They also know all the words to “Bear Down” and sing it with great gusto after every Chicago score or victory. Chicago fans never let the often harsh winter storms that come off the lakefront deter them from being at Soldier Field on gamedays. Even in their zeal for the home team, Bears fans show the Midwestern characteristic of friendliness to visitors. You may show up in an archrival Packers jersey, but the worst you can expect is a little good-natured ribbing from the fans around you. In fact, Bears fans have even been parodied on Saturday Night Live for their love and support for Da’ Bears over the years. Access 4 Getting to anything in Chicago by driving can be a real “bear”, so we recommend you take one of the many modes of public transportation available in the Greater Chicago area. The CTA offers train access to Soldier Field on its Red, Green, and Orange lines via the Roosevelt Station. The #128 Soldier Field Express busses will run from both Chicago Union Station and the Ogilvie Transportation Center directly to Soldier Field for the very reasonable price of $5 roundtrip. The METRA rail system runs “Bear Extra” trains up from the southside of Chicago. If you insist on driving, please understand that the parking in the North, South, and Waldron Lots nearest the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders. Most lots require prepaid parking coupons. There is very little cash parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Adler Planetarium or Burnham Harbor Lots near the stadium. Offsite parking is located at McCormick Place Lot B or the Millennium Park Garage for $45. Shuttles will then ferry fans to the game. Lots open 4 hours prior to kickoff and close 2 hours after the game ends. Once in the stadium, you may find the concourses to be somewhat congested. They tend to bend in several directions and then suddenly become ramps due to the odd fitting of the seating bowl into the original footprint of the stadium exterior. This is one of the things that make Soldier Field so unique. Return on Investment 3 The Bears utilize a variable pricing system on their tickets, Preseason game tickets run from $41-$131, non-division opponents run from $69-$217. Divisional games go at varied prices as Packer games are $132-$254, Lions tickets cost $76-$218, and Vikings games go for $98-$227. We’ve mentioned the transportation fees in the Access section. There are several different price points found in the rates of nearby hotels, so sometimes it is wiser to stay further away from the stadium and take one of the many public transportation options to Soldier Field. Extras 3 The Bears date back to an era where there was a team song. In the case of Chicago, that ditty is “Bear Down” Among the events Soldier Field has hosted over the years are the Jack Dempsey-Gene Tunney “long-count” boxing match in the 1930s, the opening ceremonies for the soccer World Cup in 1994, and the final concert by the Grateful Dead in 2015. The Midway is a climate-controlled hospitality space on the West side of the Verizon Mezzanine Concourse which includes seating, four full-service bars, specialty food stations, and plenty of monitors so you can keep updated on the game. Single-game passes can be purchased on the Chicago Bears app. Sounds like a great place to be on those late December games! Final Thoughts The Bears and Soldier Field both have a legendary history for Chicago natives. The fact that they never got together until the mid-1970s is somewhat symbolized by the present design of the stadium…. a modern-day seating bowl stuffed into a classic exterior dating back to the 1920s. Its’ setting on the shoreline of Lake Michigan is both a blessing and a curse. It is very scenic in the early fall, but brutal when the icy winds blow off the lake during the late-season games.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Binghamton University Events Center 4400 Vestal Parkway East Vestal, NY 13902 Binghamton Bearcats website Binghamton University Events Center website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 5,142 Binghamton Bearcats Basketball When you notice that the name of the arena is something very generic like “Events Center” you fear the worst, a non-descript building with little charm. Fortunately, that feeling largely disappears when you step foot into Binghamton’s Events Center for a Bearcats basketball game. Get over the name and you actually have a pretty good facility to see college basketball. Opened in 2004, the Binghamton University Events Center hosts the basketball program which has only been a Division I program since 2001. The program played in its lone NCAA basketball tournament in 2009. It’s an attractive facility both inside and out, and despite being a multi-use facility, in really pulls off the basketball game experience well. Food & Beverage 3 Food and beverage selections are pretty standard, with one notable exception. First, the basics include hot dogs ($2.25), candy ($2.50), popcorn ($2.75-$3.50), nachos ($3.50), and soft pretzels ($3). Drinks include bottled water ($2.75), coffee, and hot chocolate ($2). Soft drinks are provided by Coke. The one unique and locally-inspired item is a “spiedie”. A spiedie is a sandwich of marinated cubes of meat (in this case chicken, but it could be pork, beef, venison, or lamb). The sandwich is served on a garlic roll, and topped with ranch sauce. It’s very good and well worth the $4.50 price tag. It’s always nice to have something local when you go to a game. Atmosphere 3 The amount of cheerleaders and dance teams is rather overwhelming. I counted 52 during my visit. When the cheerleaders outnumber the players and the pep band combined, then you may have too many. They do a good job and stay involved at all junctures, but how many cheerleaders do you really need? There’s also a Bearcat mascot, named Baxter. Baxter makes his rounds both in the stands and under the opponent's basket where he’ll try to distract the opponents during their free throws. All of the seating within the Events Center is retractable. Sideline seats are all green plastic chairbacks, which are somewhat flimsy, but comfortable and provide better-than-average legroom. There are no cupholders in these seats. Each baseline features green plastic bleacher seats. The student section and pep band are on the end of the floor nearest the opponent's bench. Speaking of the pep band, it is a small, but talented ensemble. The 12 members belt out current hits whenever they have the opportunity. There is one lone scoreboard, which is four-sided and center-hung. The scoreboard has no video capabilities, instead cycling three ads throughout the entire game. The score, time, time outs left, team fouls, and period are on display. During my visit, one fan had an opportunity to win a car by sinking a half-court shot, and he failed dismally, but it was still fun to see the high-stakes contest. Neighborhood 3 Binghamton’s athletic facilities, including the Events Center, are located just off of Vestal Parkway, and there are plenty of chain restaurants that line this busy thoroughfare. Just name your favorite chain, and you’ll likely find it here. If you are a beer lover, then the Ale House is probably the place that you’ll want to visit before or after the game. The good news is that they have 36 beers on tap, and all of them are interesting. They also have excellent pizza. The bad news is that the service, at least during my visit, leaves a lot to be desired. I was ignored before finally receiving service, mostly because the bartender and another staff member were busy flirting with each other. It’s too bad because this is a nice little bar. Don’t let the hole in the wall look fool you. If you are more patient than I am, then you’ll likely enjoy this spot. Fans 3 My visit coincided with senior night, which is always a special event, regardless of what school or sport you visit. The fans gave standing ovations to the four seniors who were honored, most notably Jimmy Gray, the team’s leading scorer and a local product from Binghamton. The student section, located behind the basket nearest the opponent's bench, was as lifeless as a corpse, unfortunately. The school has an enrollment of about 12,000 undergrads, so the student turnout was really disappointing. What’s worse is that at halftime, the students banded together to do a little dance number, showing that they clearly have the energy to be a force during the game, but simply choose not to. To their credit, the fans came alive in the last portion of the second half, which helped the overall atmosphere, but once again made their inability to make their presence known earlier in the game that much more frustrating. Other fans are in the game, but unfortunately, it’s not enough to make up for the lackluster students, an essential element of truly great college basketball. Access 4 Parking is free and the campus can be found just off of Route 17 which is just a couple of miles from I-81. When you enter the campus, there is a sign asking visitors to stop by the information booth. I did, and the person working there seemed perplexed why I would stop, so my advice is to skip this and just proceed into the campus, keeping to the right for the Events Center. The main concourse in the arena is above the seating sections with only one concession stand open during my visit. The restrooms are clean and modern, although not too large. You may expect lines if it is a full house. Also, be careful when washing your hands as the sinks spray excessively hard. Depending on your height, you may be left with a wet middle section. Return on Investment 4 Chairback seats will cost you $12, and all other seats are only $8. This is a fantastic bargain, but when you factor in free parking along with a spiedie and drink, you’re under $20 per person. This is well worth it to get to see some Division I basketball, even if the America East Conference is not the highest level of competition. If the students would turn out in greater numbers, then the return would be even greater. Extras 3 One extra point for the pep band, which has a greater presence than their numbers would indicate. I have seen plenty of other programs with small pep bands that are nowhere close to the talent of this group. Also, an extra point for making this multi-purpose arena feel like a basketball arena. This is not always an easy feat, but Binghamton is successful in this endeavor, making for a much better fan experience than I originally expected. The dance team is also very good and does a good job of performing synchronized dance routines during the breaks. Final Thoughts I understand that not everyone is as big of a college basketball junkie as I am, so Binghamton is not going to be a sought after destination for many travelers. However, if you love the game and are anywhere in central New York, it is well worth your time to check the Bearcats schedule and see if you can’t go see a basketball game at the Events Center.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Waldo Stadium 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Western Michigan Broncos website Waldo Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 30,200 The Ship Has Sailed Waldo Stadium opened its doors in 1939 for $250,000 with a 6-0 victory over Miami (Ohio) University. The home of the Western Michigan Broncos was named for the school's first President Dwight D. Waldo and over the years has been renovated and expanded to its current 30,200-seat capacity. The Broncos play in the Mid-Atlantic Conference and Eastern Michigan is their arch rivals. The football program began in 1906 and has captured MAC championships in 1966, 1988, and 2016; western division championships in 1999, 2000, 2015, and 2016; and have made seven bowl appearances. The school boasts 41 alumni who went on to play professionally in the NFL. A popular WMU slogan created by head coach P. J. Fleck during the 2013-16 football season was “Row the Boat.” Fleck took the phrase with him when he accepted the head coach position at the University of Minnesota. They now have two new phrases: “Let It Reign” and “Let's Ride” which relate to the team name Broncos and their popular tradition where a student rides a horse charging onto the field at the beginning of each home game. The crowds at the stadium never reach their capacity but do get a bump in attendance when nearby rivals pay a visit to town. There have been a few changes since our last visit a few years ago, but as Waldo enters its ninth decade it’s still a pleasurable facility to enjoy a college football game during the fall months. Food & Beverage 4 The traditional sandwiches cost $4 to $7 and snacks are offered at Waldo, along with pulled chicken sandwiches and nachos. Pepsi products along with water, coffee, Gatorade, and hot chocolate go for $3 to $4. Credit cards are accepted at the main concession stands. There are no alcoholic beverages available in the stadium. Atmosphere 3 Waldo Stadium has seating on all four sides, with gaps in each corner. There are three scoreboards, two above the northeast end zone and one above the southwest end zone, so fans sitting anywhere in the stadium can see them easily. The big one is on the southwest side, the other two are smaller. The staff does a lot of fun things to enhance the experience, the most memorable of which is having someone ride a horse onto the field before the team comes on. They also shoot off a howitzer after every score, which is located above the east corner if you want to snap a pic. Broncos-themed signage such as 'Welcome to Kalamazoo' is spelled out in front of the northwest stands. The WMU band is probably one of the most active I have ever seen, with constant motion and dancing; before the game, they spell out W-M-U facing both directions, so fans on either sideline can see it right-side up. This is cool because most college bands will only do formations one way, so half the fans see it upside down. And the activity doesn't stop there either; throughout the game, the band will dance and jump up and down in their seats, and will also do additional formations after a win. One notable tradition is their performing “I Got A Gal from Kalamazoo.” A majority of the seating is aluminum bleachers with a few plastic seats below the press box. Seat cushions are rented for additional comfort. Suites sit atop three of the seating sections. WMU mascot Buster the Bronco is a tall horse character. Neighborhood 4 Waldo Stadium is just south of the WMU main campus with many restaurants, breweries, and bars nearby. This is a great destination city to spend the weekend before or after the game. The cities of Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids appear to be battling each other for the title “Craft Beer Capital of Michigan.” Local options include One Well Brewing, Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Final Gravity, Latitude 42, and Arcadia Brewing. University Roadhouse and Waldo's Tavern are great choices, both of which are within walking distance of the stadium. University Roadhouse offers burgers, pasta, seafood, and sandwiches, as well as drink specials every day of the week. Waldo's Tavern, on the other hand, has typical bar food such as wings, burgers, and pizza, but also boasts cheap drinks. Ray Ray's Italian Beef and Sausage is located on Miller Road for great food at low prices. If the college student scene isn't your bent, a little further from the stadium you can find Eccentric Cafe and Kalamazoo Beer Exchange. Eccentric Cafe has local beers from Bell's Brewery, located right here in Kalamazoo, while Kalamazoo Beer Exchange offers darts, pinballs, and pools. Fans 3 Over the years, WMU fans have ramped up their tailgating game with large tents, grills, and tables arriving early in the nearby parking lots. This is a bit of a challenge for night games as the university staff need their parking and the fans like to start early; many lots are not available until 5 pm so the 7 pm kickoff causes a short interval for fun. Considering the student population on campus, the number of students who attend WMU football games is relatively low. The band makes up for that fact with lively, entertaining shows. A unique tradition takes place when an Amtrak train stops in Kalamazoo (on its run between Detroit and Chicago) and passes by on the north side. WMU fans wave at the train, the engineer blows the train's horn and the passengers are advised in advance when games are scheduled. Access 4 The southeast side of Waldo Stadium is built into the side of a hill and the majority of the parking is located atop that hill which means many fans must be ready for several stairs going down to the stadium and (more challenging) going up after the game. Fans with special needs are best served by entering the north side gates at the street level. There are plenty of parking lots all around Waldo Stadium, some of which are reserved for pass holders; these tend to be on the front side along Michigan Avenue. The back side is where you want to be if you are paying cash, and you can park for just $10 within a few blocks of the stadium. There are gates all around the outside, so you can enter wherever you want, but note that will call is at Gate 1, next to the southwest end zone. Once you get inside, moving around is fairly easy. There are plenty of functional bathrooms and are kept clean. There is also a walkway that connects the four sets of stands, so if your side is too crowded, or too loud, you can move around. There are no ramps into the stands that I saw, but those with special needs can sit in front of the walkway on any side, on little cutouts built for that purpose. Return on Investment 4 Tickets may be purchased online in advance, prices run $18-$30. The concession prices are quite reasonable for college events and parking is around $10. All of these prices make for a good bargain at the stadium. Extras 4 One point for the railroad track on the north side, you can sometimes see Amtrak trains going by during the game. The great tailgating, the quality of breweries and restaurants in the area, and the official band bring three more additional points. Final Thoughts Waldo Stadium is a fine stadium to visit on the weekends. The Broncos staff provide a fun experience and the game day staff makes everyone in attendance feel right at home.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 DeVos Fieldhouse 222 Fairbanks Ave. Holland, MI 49423 Hope College Flying Dutchmen website DeVos Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,009 A Jewel of Small College Arenas Hope College has a storied men’s basketball history which was enhanced in 2005 when the DeVos Fieldhouse opened. The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation contributed an anchor gift of $7,500,000 for the project which ended up totaling $22,000,000. It holds 3,009 fans and also serves the women’s basketball and men’s/women’s volleyball programs. In 1990 and 2006, the women’s basketball team and the 2014 women’s volleyball team won the D3 national title. Hope is an NCAA Division III college and a long-standing member of the MIAA Conference. While it is clearly impossible to compare all of the D3 schools’ facilities, this might be one of the best in the country. Hope College has led the USA D3 men’s basketball attendance for the last 15 consecutive years and the women’s hoops attendance the last 9 seasons. The facility is also used by the citizens of Holland, Michigan for various events throughout the year. One-half mile to the west is downtown Holland and the Hope College campus, while the school’s baseball, softball, football, and soccer stadiums are less than a mile east of the fieldhouse. A seven-mile drive takes fans to the shores of Lake Michigan, enjoying views of Lake Macatawa along the way. Food & Beverage 4 Two identical concession stands flank the courtyard entry and they offer a nice variety of items including a personal pizza ($4.25), pulled pork sandwich ($5.25), hot dog ($3.50), and the highly recommended “Michigander” ($5.25). The sandwich is a Founders beer bratwurst on an oatmeal stout bun with house pickled peppers and onions; all sandwich combos include chips and a soda. Healthy alternatives include chicken Caesar wrap and fruit cups. Pepsi products come fountain style $2.50 for 20-ounces, along with coffee, bottled water, and Gatorade. Other traditional snacks are also available. No alcohol is sold in the arena. Each stand has an “Extra Point Card” to help regular fans to save some money. For every $4 purchase at “any” Hope Athletic Concession Booth, the card is punched; after 10 punches, the cardholder gets $4 off a future purchase. Atmosphere 5 The main entrance is on the east side of the arena. Fans enter the building at ground level and walk down to their seats. The first five rows of the upper bowl have very comfortable padded seats, the next five rows are plastic and the bottom six rows are bleacher-style. Ten rows of bleacher seats are behind one basket. Concession stands and restrooms are near the entrance doors. The seats do not have cup holders, but they are quite comfortable and provide excellent sight lines to the floor. Additional bleacher seats are behind the basket on the west side. The sound system is excellent with great music. Along the north and south side, the history of all Hope’s athletic teams is displayed in an impressive manner. There are windows along one wall allowing a view into the training facilities, a trophy case is near the entrance, and the scoreboard over center court provides team statistics. Hope’s Mascot is named Dutch; he is a tall bearded character who greets fans before the game and hangs with the student section during the game. The staff is very friendly and welcoming and an excellent, free game day program is available at the entrance. Neighborhood 3 The fieldhouse is located in a residential neighborhood less than half a mile from a great small town center offering plenty of things to do before and after the game in terms of eating and drinking. Recommended restaurants are a short drive away and include DeBoer Bakkerij for breakfast and lunch plus great bakery items, Daddio’s Carry Out’s for excellent Southern food, Salt and Pepper Savory Grill for lunch and dinner, and Seventy-Six Restaurant for creative American fare. Western Michigan is really “hopping” when it comes to craft breweries and Holland has several spots to check out, including Brewery 4 Two 4, Our Brewing Company, Big Lake Brewing, and New Holland Brewing. While visiting the area, the Holland State Park Beach on Lake Michigan is very popular, along with Windmill Island Gardens and the Felt Estate. Holland is the home of the annual Tulip Festival. The Downtown Courtyard Hotel and City Flats Hotel are the best nearby lodging facilities. Many others can be found along highway US 31. Fans 5 The long tradition of athletic success has translated into a very loyal, loud, supportive and knowledgeable fan base. If you are looking for that unique small college experience, this is the place. Hope leads the country for D3 basketball attendance with crowds well over the 2,000 plateau. Section 10 is reserved for Hope students and they pack it full. They are called the “Dew Crew” and are sponsored by Mountain Dew. Stadium Journey was fortunate to attend a Calvin – Hope game, a rivalry rated number 4 in the country by ESPN (the only D3 to be honored with such a recognition). The game has been televised for 50 years; even better, was the fact that this was the 200th game for this historic and friendly competition. What an atmosphere. Access 4 Even though DeVos Fieldhouse is in a residential area, it is an easy drive or walk from downtown. Free parking lots surround the facility; check the small lot on the north side for a few spots open to the public. The entrance is through the east side. The MAX Transit has bus stops at the arena with the nearest airport in Grand Rapids. Once inside, we suggest walking around both concourses to see the historic displays of Hope’s athletics and the trophy cases. The court is readily visible from the concourse above. Restrooms are located at the east and west ends of the arena. They are very clean and designed properly for typical crowds. Handicap parking and seating are very good for those needing assistance. Return on Investment 5 As they say: “Such a Deal” Tickets cost $10 for very comfortable padded seats, $7 for adult bleacher seats and $5 bleacher seats for children 18 and under. Free parking is great and the concession prices are a bargain. Regular fans can save a few bucks using the Extra Point Card. Extras 5 Extra points go for an overall great atmosphere, professional high-quality game day production, free parking, low concession prices, sports history kiosks along the concourse, many championship banners overhead and the delightful downtown nearby.

Rendering of Monroe Park complete with Roller Coaster, Outdoor Theater, and Pier, Photo Courtesy of University of South Alabama As the home of five Baseball Hall of Famers, Mobile’s baseball history stretches almost as far back as the sports’ beginnings. As far back as the 1860s baseball was played at ‘The Pit,’ now known as Stan Galle Field, on the campus of Spring Hill College – Stan Galle Field is also the oldest continuously used baseball park that is still standing. As the city evolved and grew at the turn of the 20th century, so did the game of baseball in the city. In 1901 a baseball park was constructed at Monroe Park, right on the bay in Downtown Mobile. The field was located in a popular city park that had a carousel, roller coasters, a golf course, pavilion, pier, boardwalk, and a fancy street car system that made a stop in the park. The Mobile Sea Gulls, later the Bears, called the park home and played in the short lived Southern Interstate League that later turned into the Southern Association. The Sea Gulls drew very well and would lead the league in attendance in 1913, bringing in over 100,000 fans for the season. One of the only known photos of an Actual Game Played at Monroe Park, Photo Courtesy of the Mobile Press-Register By the 1920s, Mobile’s Monroe Park was a popular place hosting baseball games, concerts, movie premieres, and political rallies, and was nicknamed the “Coney Island of the South.” The park was also the spring training destination for the Orioles (then the St. Louis Browns), Indians (then known as the Naps) and White Sox . Cy Young played here as a pitcher during the Naps 1909 spring training, and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson would play on the field as a player for the Naps in 1912. Baseball was so popular in Mobile at the time that when the Alabama legislature outlawed the playing of baseball on Sundays, people went on strike and opposed the ban, so much so that Mayor Harry Hartwell successfully lobbied to get the ban overturned. Shoeless Joe Jackson played at Monroe Park as a member of the Cleveland Naps in 1912, Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Sadly in 1926 a hurricane would hit Mobile and completely devastate the grounds around Monroe Park; the park would never be rebuilt. Instead a stadium was built about a mile west that opened in 1927 and was named Hartwell Field , after the mayor who contributed so much to baseball in Mobile. Hartwell Field would host professional baseball through the 1966 season before being torn down in the early 1980s. Today only a shadow of the former baseball stadium and amusement park is left; Brookley Field Air Force Base opened in the 1940s and currently occupies the site where the park was once located, while the I-10 overpass runs right over the premises. However, there is one area of Monroe Park that is still left – at Arlington Point there is a small park that features a pavilion, walking trails, and a pier. If you go to the pier and look closely at the live oaks lining the waterfront you can imagine a baseball field on this site 100 years ago, and you will be standing on the former grounds of the one of the busiest and most popular parks in the 1920s south. Walking path at Arlington Park, located on the Waterfront of the once thriving Monroe Park, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Once the main road though the park, these beautiful hundred-year-old oak trees are the only remains of Monroe Park, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Hangars from Brookley AFB and Mobile Downtown Airport now occupy the former site of Monroe Park, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey View of Monroe Park as it looks today, looking towards the water, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Based on old photos I concluded Monroe Park would have been located near this building, the Whiting Reception Hall, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Chase Family Arena at Reich Family Pavilion 200 Bloomfield Ave. West Hartford, CT 06117 Hartford Hawks basketball website Chase Family Arena at Reich Family Pavilion website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 4,017 Empty Nest Syndrome In March of 2021 the University of Hartford Hawks were the talk of the NCAA, qualifying for the first basketball tournament in the school’s history. Less than two months later, the entire athletic department was thrown into turmoil as the school announced they were downgrading their program to Division Three. A feasibility study conducted by a local consulting firm estimated that the financially struggling university would save $9.2 million annually by moving to the lower division. The transition to Division Three will be completed by September 2025. The University of Hartford was founded in 1957 when Hillyer College merged with Hartford Art School and the Hartt School. They took their athletic team names from Hillyer College, whose teams were known as the Flying Hawks, due to the presence of their basketball court on the fourth floor of their gymnasium. The Hawks play their home basketball games at the Chase Family Arena at Reich Family Pavilion, named in honor of the Chase and Reich Families for their history of gifts and contributions to the University. In addition to the basketball arena, the facility is home to the school’s volleyball gym, swimming pool, locker rooms, training facilities and administrative offices. Basketball has been played at the University of Hartford and its predecessors since 1949. Originally a member of Division Two, the Hawks qualified for four straight D-II tournaments from 1972-75. The 2021 Tournament appearance was the school’s only while in Division One. The Hawks now compete as an independent, having left the America East Conference as part of its transition. Vin Baker is the school’s only alumnus to play in the National Basketball Association. Food & Beverage 1 There is a concession stand in the lobby of the Reich Pavilion, but it was not open during Stadium Journey’s visit on a Sunday afternoon. It has been open during previous visits and still looks operational. In the past, this stand has offered a basic menu, including hot dogs, pizza slices and chicken tenders in addition to assorted snacks. A single point is awarded in this category due to the presence of a vending machine selling bottles of Coca-Cola products, water and energy drinks. It appears that fans are able to bring in their own snacks to Hartford basketball games. If the snack bar is open, you can add a couple of points to this score. Atmosphere 2 As you may imagine, interest and excitement around the basketball program has plummeted since the announcement that the program would be downgrading to Division Three. Still, the Hartford athletic department does their best to put on a good show for the fans that do show up. From any seat in the gym you can hear sneakers squeak, coaches shouting instructions to their players and fans yelling encouragement to the players. The “small school” experience is only amplified with the tiny crowds in attendance these days. The cheerleaders and spirit squad are present but add little to the overall atmosphere. The few students who do show up are there to watch the game, not get rowdy. Scoreboards on either end of the gym display basic game information while pixilated video screens show graphics and the occasional video. Neighborhood 2 The University of Hartford is located in West Hartford, surrounded by an affluent residential neighborhood, including the Hartford Golf Club. There aren’t any restaurants located within walking distance of the campus, meaning fans will have to travel a little to find entertainment, dining and lodging options. Downtown Hartford, which contains a great many restaurants and places of interest, is just a ten-minute drive away. Stadium Journey recommends City Steam Brewery and Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen and Bar, among others. Fans looking for local attractions will want to check out the Mark Twain House or Harriet Beecher Stowe House while in Hartford. The state capitol building is also worth a look while in the area. There is no shortage of lodging options in downtown Hartford. Fans 1 For several years in the late teens, Hartford was averaging around 1,400 fans per game. As you may imagine, attendance has plummeted since the Division Three announcement. Stadium Journey attended a game against a local opponent on a Sunday afternoon with a reported attendance of around 300. Looking at other box scores from the 2022-23 season, this crowd appears to be right around the team’s average. The crowd at Chace Family Arena is a mix of die-hard fans, family members and a smattering of students. Most of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the court. Fans are enthusiastic and supportive. With the bulk of Hartford’s schedule consisting of local teams, you may find supporters of the visiting squad in attendance. Access 3 The Reich Family Pavilion is located on the north end of the University of Hartford campus alongside the school’s other athletic facilities. The campus is located where the towns of West Hartford and Bloomfield meet the city of Hartford. Downtown Hartford, including the XL Center and Dunkin’ Donuts Park , is located just a few miles away. Most fans traveling to the University of Hartford will arrive via Interstate 91 which runs north-south through Hartford, and then will arrive at campus via either Route 44 or 218, which run adjacent to the campus. Detailed directions to campus can be found here . Parking is available in lots that surround the Reich Family Pavilion. There are more than enough spots here to handle a typical crowd. While the vast majority of visitors to the University of Hartford arrive by car, those utilizing public transportation can take the 56 or 58 bus to campus. Check out the CT Transit website for more information. Fans enter the arena into a small lobby, which contains entrances to the pool and volleyball court, as well as the snack bar, ticket booth, and stairs to the upper deck. The bathrooms, which are more than adequate for the average Hawk crowd, are also located here. Seating at the Chase Family Arena consists of individual red folding seats along both sidelines, with wooden bleachers along each baseline. Each sideline has an upper section, which is set aside on the south side as the Gordon McCullough VIP Section. This section has its own bar and dining area attached, but it has been closed since the demotion announcement. All seats in this small gym have excellent views of the action. Return on Investment 4 Seats for Hartford Hawks cost $15 for reserved seating on either sideline, or $12 for pavilion seats in the upper deck. Parking is free in the lots surrounding the Chase Family Arena. Drinks in the vending machine cost $2.25. A night at a Hartford Hawks basketball game will certainly not break the bank. Extras 2 Extra points are awarded for the displays in the lobby that honor the Hawks two most distinguished athletic alumni, Baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell and NBA first round pick Vin Baker. The University’s Athletic Hall of Fame has a display in the lobby. Baker’s retired jersey also hangs in the Chase Family Arena. Banners honoring conference titles and tournament appearances by both the men’s and women’s basketball programs hang from the rafters and on the walls of the facility. Final Thoughts Chase Family Arena served as a fine home to the Hawks when they were a mid-major Division One program. Now that the squad will be moving to Division Three, interest and enthusiasm in the program has plummeted, with the game day experience in Hartford now just a shell of what it used to be. This cozy gym now is in the unique circumstance of being too large for the school’s needs. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Buck Bowman Park 2228 Clover Hill Road Dayton, VA 22821 Clover Hill Bucks website Buck Bowman Park website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 1,500 Small Town Baseball Beneath the Clover Dome Nestled in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the Rockingham County Baseball League is one of the oldest amateur baseball leagues in the country. The league's eight teams consist of a mix of current and former college players with ties to the area. Some of the latter have been playing in the league for years. The Clover Hill Bucks play in the RCBL and call Buck Bowman Park home. Known as the Clover Dome to locals, it is one of the last remaining parks with a wooden grandstand. Since moving here in 1954, the Bucks have won 18 RCBL championships, the most of any team in the league. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at Buck Bowman Park, although it has windows on both sides, one facing the field and one facing a grassy area behind the grandstand. Although the menu is limited, prices are some of the best you'll be able to find in baseball. Hot dogs are $2 (add 50 cents for chili), burgers are $3.50 (add 25 cents for cheese), fries are $2, popcorn and candy are $1.50, and lollipops and gum are just 25 cents each. Bottled water and assorted soft drinks are available for $2.50, while a cup of mint tea costs only $1.25. Although you may not want them on a warm summer night, hot chocolate and coffee are also $1.25. Keep in mind the stand only takes cash and it can take some time to get your food, although if you use the side facing the field, you will be able to watch the game while you wait. Atmosphere 5 Entering Buck Bowman Field feels like a step back in time to baseball as it used to be played. A covered wooden grandstand, one of the last of its kind, is behind home plate and while it may not be in the greatest condition, you can sense the history just by sitting there. More modern wooden bleachers are located further down the lines, and beyond those lies a seating area where fans can set up their chairs. This last one is the only area not behind a net, and in fact, there is not even a fence separating it from the field. Instead, there is a chalk line marking the boundary of the playing area that fans must sit behind (this should not be confused with the foul line.) If the ball crosses this line, it is considered out of play and will be treated as such under the ground rules. Although the wooden grandstand may be the least comfortable place to sit here, it does have the advantage of being extremely close to the action. Fans sitting in the front row are closer to home plate than they would be in almost any other ballpark, close enough to hear the conversations between catcher, batter, and umpire and see the drops of sweat dripping from the face of the person prepping the batters' box before the game. You will truly be up close and personal to the action if you sit here. A Clover Hill Bucks game is baseball at its purest. Although there are some advertisements on the fence and over the PA system, they are all for local businesses that support the team. There is no billion-dollar corporate influence here. Some music will be played over the PA system, but it does not get in the way of the game itself. This is baseball as it was meant to be played. One unusual quirk of Buck Bowman Park is that the sun sets in straightaway centerfield. Like at Waconah Park in Pittsfield, this means that games will sometimes feature sun delays and start 20 to 30 minutes after the scheduled time of 7:30 PM to wait for the sun to go behind the tree line. Neighborhood 1 The problem here isn't so much that the area around Buck Bowman Park is a bad neighborhood as much as that there is no neighborhood at all. The ballpark is surrounded by farms, and while there are a few local businesses that cater to those who live here, and they seem well-liked by the locals, nothing is likely to be of interest to out-of-towners attending a Bucks game except maybe a couple of fresh produce stands. If you want any place to eat, drink, or sleep, you will likely need to drive about 20 minutes into Harrisonburg, the nearest remote major population center. While Harrisonburg isn't a large city by any means, more of a small college town, it is at least a city. Macado's has some of the best sandwiches in the Shenandoah Valley, Kline's Dairy Bar is known for its ice cream, and there are other places to visit as well. That being said, you will have to do a bit of driving to get there. Fans 5 Despite Clover Hill's small size, it seems like almost the whole town turns out for a Bucks game. Many of the fans have been cheering on the team for decades, coming to almost every home game for a long time. This being farm country, some of the fans will ring cowbells after the Bucks score. The covered grandstand helps to trap in the sound and make it seem even louder than it otherwise would. Given the RCBL is spread out over such a small geographic footprint, many visiting fans will also make the short trek into Clover Hill. They are treated well enough by the home fans, but this still very much feels like a Bucks home game. The locals love their team and show up in droves to prove it. Access 2 As we mentioned earlier, Clover Hill is in the middle of the farm country. The nearest remote major town is Harrisonburg, about 20 minutes away via US Route 33. Once you get to the stadium, you will need to drive down a gravel path to a grass lot and park there. No marked spaces or attendants are directing you, other than to tell you to park anywhere that won't box anyone in. Despite this, cars park haphazardly, making it hard to figure out where you parked and get out when the game is over. Luckily everyone seemed to at least follow the instructions not to trap anyone in. There are restrooms on the grassy area down the right field line, near the concession stand, team store, and batting cages. They are small, but there is usually no wait to use one. The steps of the wooden grandstand behind the home plate have a long drop from one to another and may prove challenging for those with mobility issues. Even those who are physically capable of climbing them may get nervous stepping off the bottom step onto the ground because of the drop involved. The newer wooden bleachers down the lines are easier to climb but do not offer nearly as good a view. Return on Investment 5 Admission to most Bucks games is free of charge thanks to local business sponsors. For a few games, there may be a $5 admission charge. Check the Bucks' social media in advance to find out about specific games. Concession prices are incredibly affordable, and while you may spend a bit on gas to get here due to the park's remote location, a trip to a baseball game under the lights at the Clover Dome is still an outstanding value. . Extras 4 One bonus star for how close the home plate grandstand is to the action. Look for the team store on the grassy area down the first base line, and the deer skull above it. Both of these are worthy of an extra star. There are several places at Buck Bowman Park for kids to hang out and play baseball while their parents watch the game if they so choose. Before the game, the aforementioned grassy area will be full of kids playing catch with each other and their parents. Once the game starts, kids will hang out in the batting cage further down the right field line, playing their version of baseball with a toy bat and ball. Final Thoughts Buck Bowman Park is small-town baseball at its finest. The spirit of baseball is alive and well here in Clover Hill, at a ballpark steeped in rich history and a throwback to days of yore. An evening at the Clover Dome to check out a Bucks game should be on the bucket list of every baseball fan in Virginia.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Mobile International Speedway 7800 Park Blvd Irvington, AL 36544 Mobile International Speedway website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 9,000 The Fastest Half-Mile in Alabama For over 50 years Mobile International Speedway has been South Alabama's premiere speedway. Nicknamed the fastest half-mile in Alabama, the oval-shaped track has welcomed some of the top drivers in the history of stock car racing. From Donnie Allison, Rusty Wallace, and Kyle Petty in their early years to Michael Waltrip and Kerry Earnhardt – all have come through Mobile on their way to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The track even launched the careers of local drivers Cale Gale and Grant Enfinger, who would later compete in ARCA and the Craftsman Trucks series. Mobile International Speedway has seen it all since opening in 1965, hosting some of the top drivers and local races. In addition, MIS has been a Hollywood filming location, a popular Christmas light destination, and was even once owned and promoted by a popular professional wrestler. Recently Mobile International Speedway went through some changes, which included new ownership – the search for new owners resulted in the speedway closing for about a year, but when the track re-opened in July 2023, the new ownership included former local driver Eddie Shoemaker, who also operates Mobile Dragway, which is located next door to MIS. Now twice a month from March through September, expect to see action-packed, fast-paced racing on Alabama's Fastest half-mile track.      Food & Beverage   2 There is one stand located under the grandstand about halfway down; the usual fare can be found with hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, corn dogs, sausage dogs, and popcorn rounding out the menu, with prices ranging from $3 to $6, while for $10 you can purchase the chicken tender or chicken wing baskets. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider here, with fountain drinks going between $2 and $4. In addition, right next to the concession stand is the beer garden, with prices running $5 for a Tall Boy canned beer. Also, make sure to check out the boiled peanut stand on the north side of the concourse under Turn 4 – for $5 you can purchase some of the best tasting boiled peanuts I've ever tasted in my life.      Atmosphere   3 Part of the charm of attending Saturday night races here is that not much has changed since the 1960s. From the moment you arrive and pass under the brick archway welcoming you to the speedway, it is almost like going back in time 50 years. Racing is held usually every other Saturday from March until September, and while most of the drivers are local, occasionally you will get a big-name driver coming through the area. Mobile International Speedway is located right next to Mobile Dragway with a huge grass field providing the parking. To get to the concourse you must walk up about 30 metal steps, entering the area which provides concessions under the grandstand. The grandstand itself is quite simple – made up of 15 rows of wooden boards held up by metal awnings, which hold 9,000 people. A small press box made of tin sits at the top of the rows. The track is a half mile oval with the grandstand in between Turns 1 and 4. A unique thing about the track is there are no walls or barriers around the track, except in front of the grandstands. The track was built on farmland, so without any walls or barriers you can see a good way out into the fields, meaning if you go off the track there is nothing keeping you from walking onto the surrounding farmlands. An old barn sits beyond Turn 2, providing a nice added touch to the view. The pits also have wall pads filled with various local sponsors, adding to a small-town feel.             Neighborhood   2 Irvington is a small community of about 800 people located in rural Mobile County. There's not much to do here after dark, with racing at MIS the only thing happening on the weekends here. On some Saturdays Mobile Dragway next door will be hosting drag racing, but that wasn’t happening during my most recent visit. If you want to take a day trip before the races you are 15 minutes away from Bellingrath Gardens, which is one of the most beautiful gardens in the south, and a must visit if in south Alabama. Another day trip worth checking out nearby is Dauphin Island, about 20 minutes south of Mobile International Speedway – not very many people know about Dauphin Island, so you'll have miles and miles of beautiful beaches all to yourself. Once on the Island make sure to stop at Historic Fort Gaines, a Civil War-era fort believed to be haunted. There is also a ferry that takes you across Mobile Bay and to Gulf Shores if you want to explore that side of Alabama. Dauphin Island also has a small aquarium, an Indian mound, a golf course, and several miles of nature trails, and is less developed than the nearby beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, so you will find less people there, which may be appreciated by some. Make sure to stop off in Bayou La Batre right before you get on the island – this tiny community is known as the shrimping capital of the country and was the setting for Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company in the novel and movie Forrest Gump. While there make sure to grab a bite to eat at Lighthouse Restaurant, voted one of the best seafood restaurants in the South, and if you come in May, you may even get to see the Blessing of the Fleet, the Catholic ceremony where ships are blessed for a safe and successful fishing season. It's a festive event because, before the shrimpers embark into the Gulf, the small town has a huge celebration for the shrimp boats, an event which attracts thousands of people.   Fans   3 MIS has been South Alabama's premiere racetrack for over 50 years now – it may not be close to Talladega, but this area of Alabama is also a hotbed for stock car racing, and it shows here. The 9,000-seat grandstand is usually about three-quarters of the way full on race night. A lot of the drivers are local, so you'll see many fans who come out every weekend. There's nothing else to do in Irvington on Saturday nights, so that helps as well with attendance at the track. You'll also encounter a good mix of families who come out to the races. There are usually five or six different races each night, and each race features a different style car and is very fast, with each race only lasting 20 to 30 laps, which is pretty quick for a half-mile oval. Spectators are definitely engaged from the start to the checkered flag – during my most recent visit they raced pro trucks (30 laps), pure stocks (20 laps), pro late models (40 laps), sportsman (25 laps), and crown stocks (20 laps).   Access   3 Mobile International Speedway is located about 20 miles south of downtown Mobile on Highway 90, a rural two lane back road that runs from Pascagoula to Mobile. Getting to the track is fairly simple despite being located on a back road – the track is conveniently located a few miles south of Exit 10 on Interstate 10. You can't miss the track, as it sits to the left about 2 miles south of the Interstate. There is plenty of parking in the huge grass lot on the property. The only issue I ran into at the track is the access if you are in a wheelchair or have a disability; because of the steep stairs at the entrance, and because there are no wall or barriers around the track, the only wheelchair access is between Turns 3 and 4, where you can be wheeled onto the track and into the stands. To access the pits there is an access point from the grandstand, but you must walk on the track to get to it.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to sit in the grandstand are $15, while tickets in the pits are $30. I consider this a good return on investment, as concession prices are fairly cheap and you can't beat the free parking. My recommendation to get the full experience is to go on a Saturday when they are drag racing at nearby Mobile Dragway – you can catch drag racing in the afternoon, then go to MIS in the evening. The races at Mobile International Speedway usually start around 8 pm and last until around 11 pm. It is fairly quick, fast-paced action, and you are right up on the track less than 50 feet away from the cars as they line up.   Extras   5 One extra for the track being used as a filming location for the 2009 film The Final Destination; the opening race scenes were filmed at the track during the summer of 2008. Another extra for all the big races and big names that have been here over the years, as mentioned earlier. Some of the races MIS has hosted include the ARCA Mobile 200 from 2012 to 2015, as well as regular stops in the 1990s of Mobile 150 (NASCAR K&N Series East) and the Hooter’s Pro Cup Series. A ton of NASCAR regional races and ASA races have been held here as well. There is a billboard in the pits reading "Welcome to Mobile, Home of Lee Fields", who was a longtime owner and promoter of the speedway from 1972 until his death in 2000. Fields was also a notable wrestler in the Gulf Coast during the old territory days of pro wrestling – Lee held numerous titles in the 1970s including Gulf Coast Heavyweight Championship. Fields would have become a bigger star had he signed with another promoter, but he didn't want to move away from Mobile. Another wrestler with an affiliation to Mobile International Speedway is former WWE wrestler Bob "Hardcore" Holly – this popular attitude-era star from Mobile actually began his career as a stock car driver here in 1992. Holly would later sign with Vince McMahon in 1994, embarking on a 14-year career in the WWF, beginning with a race car inspired gimmick wresting under the name of Thurman "Spark Plug" Holly. MIS also hosted the annual Alabama Racing & Wrestling Hall of Fame for a number of years, honoring some of the greatest drivers and wrestlers from the area. Former wrestling manager legend William "Paul Bearer" Moody was the emcee at the Hall of Fame ceremony. Another extra for Mobile Dragway sitting next door if you want to catch some drag racing before you go into MIS – as mentioned they do drag racing there on most Saturdays. There is also another smaller track about 10 miles down the road in Grand Bay called Sunny South Speedway. One final extra for the Christmas lights on display here during the holiday season – in 2023 Mobile International Speedway began hosting Mobile's Annual Christmas Nights in Lights. The Gulf Coast's # 1 Christmas lights display was originally set up at Hank Aaron Stadium, but moved here after that stadium's closing. During December lights are set up all around the track, and cars are welcome to drive on the track through the interactive Christmas display. They also do a pretty elaborate Halloween lights spectacle here called Thriller Lights.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium 782 HIgh Road, Tottenham London, UK N17 0BX Tottenham Hotspur FC website Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 62,062 A Brand New Home for the Spurs After months of delays, the £1 billion Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium opened in May of 2019 and the grand project might have been worth the wait as it is in a class all by itself among the football stadiums in England. The 62,062 all-seater replaced the Spurs former home of White Hart Lane and brought the club back to the neighborhood after playing the past two seasons as Wembley Stadium . The stadium has been met with almost universal approval including 95 percent of Spurs supporters being satisfied with the new stadium. The design retains the feel of the old White Hart Lane and although much larger, still provides a “feeling of intimacy due to the closeness of the stands to the pitch.” The new grounds are designed to be an all-year destination for visitors offering events from concerts, rugby, and is the official home for NFL games that are played in London. Underneath the grass pitch is a synthetic surface that can be used for NFL games and other events held at the stadium. The complex also houses its own microbrewery, the largest club shop in England, and eventually a Sky Walk and Hotspurs Museum. Food & Beverage 5 When it comes to food options there may not be a better football stadium in England. There are 60 food and drink options that are inspired from London’s vibrant street and market scene. Fans can enjoy options that are standard and international from around the globe, plus its very own microbrewery that is the first of its kind in any stadium in the world. It should also be noted that the stands open 2.5 hours before and after the game. Beer and drinks cannot be brought back to your seats during the match The Market Place is a gathering spot where fans can enjoy food and drink and choose from numerous vendors for a variety of cuisine from The Chicken House (fried chicken), N17 Grill (fish and chips), Naan Noodle (Asian street food), Linesman (burgers), and Smashed Olive (pizza). The Touchdown Grill offers hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and spicy bean burgers. The Tap Inn offers traditional meat pies and sausage rolls that are common among football grounds across the country. Fans can enjoy steak, minced beef,chicken tikka masala, spicy bean, and steak and blue cheese pies. The beer selection includes varieties from Heineken, Amstel, Strongbow, and Old Mout Cider. A few more highlights to visit include the Goal Line Bar (south stand) that runs the length of the entire goal line. The 65 meter bar is the longest in Europe. The Beavertown Brewery is located in The Market Place on Level 1 brewing fresh beer on site and is the first of its kind in any football grounds in the world. The brewery serves Beavo Lager (Czech Lager), Neck Oil (IPA), Gamma Ray (Pale Ale), 8 Ball (Rye IPA), and Smog Rocket (Smoked Porter) among its varieties. There are three other featured bars in the East Stand that include The White Hart, The Shelf, and The Dispensary. The Shelf incorporates bricks that have been salvaged from the East Stand of White Hart Lane and The Dispensary takes its name and design influence from the old Tottenham & Edmonton Dispensary that once graced the High Road Atmosphere 5 The roads surrounding the stadium close two to three hours before the start of the match and the concession areas inside the facility open up around the same time; fans line up the streets as they walk towards the facility from multiple mass transit entry points creating a buzz in environment well ahead of the opening kickoff. The stadium itself is aesthetically pleasing from the outside and features a 4.5 meter near double-sided fiberglass cockerel that sits on top of the roof structure above the South Stand which is a replica of the one first introduced in 1909 at the former ground. According to the Spurs fan guide, the generous and open concourses are bathed in natural light from extensive glazed areas with contemporary polished concrete floors made using aggregate from White Hart Lane. You will see an unrivaled standard of finish using materials such as brushed steel, copper, European oak and quartz. The seating bowl is designed to place everyone closer to the pitch than any other comparable sized stadium in the United Kingdom. The distances from the front row to the touchline range from 4.9 meters to 7.9 meters with stands set up at a 35-degree angle. The 17,500 single-tier South Stand is more than 34 meters in height. The design of the bowl ensures that the Spurs maintain a long tradition of having one of the most engaging and atmospheric homes in English Football. There are four giant HD screens and a state-of-the-art sound system providing pre and post-game entertainment, highlights and replays to the fans in the seating bowl. The individual seats are designed with a modern and comfortable style offering plenty of legroom in uninterrupted views of the game on the pitch. The concourse walls are decorated with an array of murals celebrating the club’s history and its neighborhood. The murals include homages to the old White Hart Lane, match day programmes, neighborhood street signs, and former players. The Gallery is located on the Level 1 Concourse in the West Stand and showcases work by four local artists. There are other areas that are designed to resemble sections of the old stadium as well. The attention to every little detail is impressive to visitors to the facility. The Tottenham experience is located on High Road and is the largest of its kind in all of football featuring a 100-seat auditorium area to host both pre-match in post-match events. Fans have plenty of room to choose from kits, t-shirts, jackets, key chains, and any other thing with the Spurs logo emblazoned on it. Coming soon will be the Tottenham Spurs Archive offering a vast collection of artifacts and past records, telling the story of the club’s founding and history. The Sky Walk will be a 40 meter glass walkway above the pitch offering breathtaking views of London and shooting a spike of adrenaline to each person’s nerve who dares to take this walk. The Club Museum is designed to tell the team’s history, display Spurs artifacts and educate the visitors about the club’s lengthy history. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is on the High Road in Tottenham and a collection of retail outlets, restaurants, and businesses line up the streets. There is quite a bit of revelry on game day and the Spurs are currently making it a neighborhood destination 365 days a year. There are various pubs located near the stadium that include home pubs: The Bricklayers, Bell and Hare (largest beer garden in Tottenham), Antwerp Arms, and No. 8 Tottenham Pub. The Banana African Restaurant & Bar offers traditional Nigerian, West African, and Caribbean cuisine. San Marco is a family-run restaurant for classic Italian dishes including hand-stretched pizzas from a brick oven. Brothers Cafe & Restaurant specializes in East African dishes. The Beehive Pub is an ideal spot for vegan options. Fans 5 The fan support is spirited and among the best in the city. The supporters section make beautiful noise throughout the game and cheer every time a goal is scored or a penalty is called against the opposing side. The size of the stadium has drowned out some of the energy from its previous home, but to anyone enjoying a good match, these fans are right on point. Access 4 It is advised to head out to the stadium well ahead of game time as the streets surrounding the stadium close. The best option is public transportation. The stadium is accessible via a number of London Overground, London Underground and National Rail stations: Seven Sisters, Tottenham Hale, Northumberland Park, and White Hart Lane stations. The four train stations each feature signage adorned in the club colors. Once near the stadium Fan Ambassadors have been recruited from the local area to assist with visitors. There are also 1,600 wireless access points to assist anyone looking for more information on their smartphones. No cash is accepted for any purchase made within the stadium and its surrounding campus that the club hopes will increase the speed of service and shorter wait times. Options include bank cards, mobile payment, prepaid cards, and gift cards. If you have purchased a general admission ticket you are only allowed access to levels 1, 2, 4, and 5 once inside the stadium. You also may not have the opportunity to check out certain sections of the stadium since you are not either a season ticket holder or a Spurs one member. Return on Investment 3 Single game ticket prices fall into three categories of A, B, and C, with A being the higher price point. An adult ticket for A games range from £52-£98, while those prices decrease greatly for B games, £30-£43, and followed by category C where ticket prices are £30-£80. There are also separate ticket prices for seniors, young adults, and juniors. These prices are lower than the standard adult ticket. Concession prices are on the norm with many other new EFL stadiums. Extras 4 The Spurs earn a point for the Beavertown Brewery that brews beers on site and is the first of its kind in the world. It earns a second point for the amount of great food that has been inspired from the city’s street food scene. The Spurs earn a third point for its dedication to minimising the environmental impacts of all our activities. Fans empty rubbish in dry mixed recycling or general waste bins. The Market Place is an ideal destination to meet up with friends for a post-match drink or bite. The area also features a dedicated stage that will play host to live music or DJ sets and is open 2 hours after the final whistle. Final Thoughts The Spurs finally opened their brand new stadium after many months of delay, but appears that the wait has been well worth it. Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium is one of the grandest of its kind in football on the planet. The modern features, details to excellence, view of the pitch, and overall atmosphere puts the grounds among the upper echelons of English Football.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.42 Welsh-Ryan Arena 2705 Ashland Ave Evanston, IL 60208 Northwestern Wildcats website Welsh-Ryan Arena website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 7,039 New to the Old at the Welsh-Ryan Arena The Welsh-Ryan Arena has been the home to the Northwestern Wildcats basketball team since 1952 and went through a $110 million renovation during the 2017-2018 academic year that resulted in a complete transformation of the interior of the building. However, much of its charm is still intact, which should keep things familiar to long-time fans. The building is a basketball field house, first and foremost. It creates an intimate feeling in the 7,039-seat gymnasium, the smallest in the Big Ten. The gym has seen many renovations, most notably in 1983 when it gained its new name Welsh-Ryan Arena in honor of the principal donor's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Welsh. However, the current renovations ripped out the foldable bleacher seating in favor of individual purple chair backs, suites, and massive spacing on the concourses. Basketball was introduced to Northwestern in 1901, and the school hosted the first NCAA Tournament in 1939 at its former gymnasium. Surprisingly, the Wildcats have only made one tournament appearance in 2017 but have appeared 7-times in the NIT. Food & Beverage 4 Numerous concession stands offer a limited selection of items but are rather upscale to the world of college basketball. The Wildcat Burger is a double smash burger with provolone cheese, fried onions, slaw, and barbecue sauce and served on a pretzel bun. There is also a single smash burger served with traditional toppings of pickles, onions, and Wildcat sauce. Fans can also select two regional favorites: pizza puffs and Italian beef with hot giardiniera. The chicken tenders are served with barbecue, ranch, and honey mustard sauce, the spicy chicken sandwich is topped with ranch coleslaw, and there are also waffle fries. Photo by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey The traditional items include pretzels, nachos, popcorn, chips, candy, and hot dogs. Pepsi products are available by bottle or fountain. Northwestern also serves beer and wine at the Welsh-Ryan Arena, just the tenth school in the conference to do so, beginning in January 2023. Keep in mind that all purchases are cashless, and menu prices don’t include sales tax. The prices are $4.99 for a hot dog and top at $13.99 for a Wildcat Burger. There are 36 points of sale inside the building. Atmosphere 4 As I said earlier in this review, the building is a basketball gymnasium, and that is evident as you walk around the court with great views from almost anywhere in the building. There is still the charm of the old venue that has been incorporated into areas of chic modernism. It can be seen throughout the building from the main lobby entrance to the concourse walls. The school colors of purple and white are dominant, with artistic murals adorning the walls, alongside the former student-athletes photos and information. The lobby has a digital presentation of Northwestern Hall of Famers. The center video scoreboard adds new touches to the gym. The original roof was left intact and refurbished. The steel trusses at the corners and the far end of the top concourse are a splendid reminder of the building’s history, along with the new balcony seating hanging over both ends of the baskets. Natural light fills the concourse with windows with automatic translucent blackout shades. Photo by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey There's plenty of room to move around the concourses, which are wide and ADA-accessible. There are five elevators and staircases at each corner of the building. The perimeter of the lower concourse offers table ledges to keep your food and drink. It is a modern-looking facility that was missing a few amenities, such as a cheer and dance team, banners, and a mascot. Perhaps it was due to our visit in between semesters of the school year. However, the seating behind each basket puts the fans within fingertips of the play on the court. Neighborhood 4 Welsh-Ryan Arena is located between the football stadium Ryan Field and the baseball stadium Miller Park. Downtown Evanston is worth a visit, situated 2 miles from the arena. The trendy district has plenty of small shops, local and chain restaurants, and bars. Casual places for food include Koco Table, Giordano’s, Prairie Moon Restaurant, and Smylie Brothers Brewing Company. Photo by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey However, just across the street from the sports complex is Mustards Last Stand, a little joint with Northwestern memorabilia, offering Chicago-style hot dogs and other items. Ten Mile House is next door and serves American fare, while Hewn is a local bakery known for sandwiches and pastries. Downtown Evanston is most easily accessible to the CTA Purple Line via the Davis stop. Welsh-Ryan Arena is a quick walk from the Central Purple Line stop. Walking through Evanston is safe and can be somewhat scenic, especially if you take the lakefront path through campus. The Ryan Fieldhouse has picturesque views of Lake Michigan from inside the complex. Fans 3 You can count on a good number of people at home games due to the number of alumni living in the Chicago area. Capacity crowds can be expected for Big 10 match-ups against rivals Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin. The student section was not available during our visit due to the time of year, but the game felt more like a professional environment. Access 3 Evanston is located north of Chicago and has a scenic drive along Lakeshore Boulevard from the south along Lake Michigan. The campus is a fair distance from I-94 and Highway 41, so be prepared to travel through town if you arrive by car. You will hit the city, suburban, and highway traffic within a few minutes of your journey. Public transit is also an option, taking the Purple line train and getting off at the Central stop. From there, your walk is a little less than a mile. There is sufficient parking around the arena for a price, and you can look for parking on the street. The parking lot is shared with the football stadium and a short walk to the arena. Inside the arena, fans are welcome to spacious staircases, wide-open concourses, and large bathrooms (up 270 percent before renovations). The concourses are accessible via five different elevators, and space is available for guests in wheelchairs and their parties. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices on the secondary market can go as low as $8 against early season matchups against non-rival opponents. Those prices will increase against conference opponents; expect prices to rise to $30-$50 for games against Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. They could go higher for games with Purdue and Illinois. However, prices will dip against the Big 10 teams from the east coast: Penn State, Rutgers, and Maryland. The parking price is $20, but there are also street parking options depending on what day of the week you attend the game. The food prices are reasonable, but some items seem a tad high. However, Welsh-Ryan Arena is worth the visit when in Chicago. Extras 3 The Welsh-Ryan Arena earns a point for its classic college basketball ambiance, which includes the restored roof and balcony seating. The second point is for the wide-open concourses that provide open views of the seating and court. A final point is the natural lighting that opens up the building, providing great views of the football stadium. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Long before major leagues had a team and stadiums in the southern United States, there were the Atlanta Crackers and Ponce de Leon Ballpark. The Crackers were the most powerful team in minor league baseball throughout their 64-year existence, paving the way for the Atlanta Braves to become the first major league franchise in the southeastern portion of the country. The Crackers: Early Days of Atlanta Baseball by Tim Darnell provides an in-depth look at the team and its accomplishments between 1901 and 1965. During that period, the Crackers had the best record of any baseball team other than the New York Yankees. They took home 17 Southern Association championships in less than 65 years. First…. Why the name Crackers? Some suggest it relates to the definition of a “southern cracker” a derogatory term for a poor white southerner. However, it is much more likely to be a shortened form of the word Firecrackers, the name of a baseball team that preceded it in the Atlanta area. Baseball had been extremely popular in Atlanta ever since the Civil War ended, as it took resident’s minds off the massive destruction the area had experienced during the war. Teams sponsored by schools and local businesses came and went during the 1865- 1900 period. The Crackers benefitted from having a wealthy owner from being a member of an established league in the Southern Association, and strong leadership in the front office, as John Heisman served as the team president. Heisman is more widely known as one of the most successful innovators in college football, and at the time was the head football coach at Georgia Tech. By its tenth season, the team had already won four Southern Association pennants. The Cracker's home during those years was in Ponce de Leon Ballpark in downtown Atlanta. It was built on land the team owner already owned and took its name from a natural spring located nearby that promised a long life and other healthy benefits from its waters. The stadium was constructed in a natural bowl with a steep hillside forming its outfield limits. A railroad track was atop the hill just beyond right field. There was also a pair of magnolia trees in deep right-center field. The ballpark opened in 1906, and it was built out of wood, for $60,000.  The Cracker's success on the field, meant success at the ticket office, as they led the league in attendance nearly every season. Pullen Library Digital Collection, Georgia State University. Unfortunately, the ballpark burned to the ground in 1923. This forced the team to relocate to Georgia Tech’s Grant Field for the remainder of the 1923 season. A local businessman financed a new concrete and steel stadium for $250,000. The field was named R. J Spiller Field in his honor. The stadium was state of the art for its times, as it featured individual seats bolted into the concrete base, replacing the benches of the previous stadium. The grandstand seated 9,800, while the outfield bleachers held 5,000 more fans. One set of bleachers was for white fans, while the other was for black fans. The scoreboard in center field was changed by hand, and the starting lineups were announced by megaphone to the grandstand. The Magnolia trees and the railroad tracks atop the hill form two unique stories about Ponce de Leon Park. The Magnolia trees were considered in play and outfielders had to watch where they were going to field a fly ball. Only two players, Babe Ruth, and Eddie Mathews, hit official home runs into the tree and had the ball stay up in its branches. The second story involves a train headed north on the tracks at the exact moment a home run was hit by the Cracker's Bob Montag. A few days later a railroad engineer came to the park with a coal dust-covered ball. The home run had landed in the coal compartment of the train and traveled to Nashville and back… more than five hundred miles. It was duly listed as the longest home run ever hit in the Southern Association history. In 1932 the Crackers were purchased by the Coca-Cola Company, which is based in Atlanta. This gave the team deep pockets for operations, as teams were not affiliated with the major leagues then. They also placed Earl Mann as the team’s general manager, a title he would hold until 1959. He was an excellent judge of playing ability, and he also had the funds that would allow the team to pay higher salaries than the other Southern League teams. From 1935 through 1965 the Crackers would win eleven league championships. You might wonder how the Crackers were so successful. Here is a list of just some players and managers who wore a Crackers uniform at some time in their careers… Leo Durocher, Luke Appling, Paul Richards, Ralph “Country” Brown, Eddie Mathews, Tim McCarver, Jack McKeon, Gene Mauch and Chuck Tanner. Their radio announcer, Ernie Harwell, was traded to major league baseball for a catcher. Harwell went on to the Baseball Hall of Fame as the radio announcer for the Detroit Tigers. There is no word as to what happened to the catcher. Baseball was a very segregated sport for most of the Crackers’ existence. Ponce de Leon Park always allowed blacks in a segregated set of bleachers in the outfield. There was also a team known as the Black Atlanta Crackers. They played in both the Negro National League and the Black Southern League. To make ends meet, they would barnstorm through the South, playing local teams. They played most of their home games at Morehouse College and Morris Brown, two HBCU colleges in Atlanta. The team also played at Ponce de Leon Park when the Atlanta Crackers were playing out of town. A breakthrough occurred in 1948 when the Crackers hosted the Brooklyn Dodgers and Jackie Robinson in a three-game exhibition series. This would be the first integrated baseball team in the Deep South. Even though trouble was anticipated, Robinson was warmly welcomed by both the black and white record crowds that turned out for the series. No racial incidents occurred, and the Crackers added Nat Peeples, their first black player, in 1954. Minor league baseball faced some tough years in the 1940s, as many of the top players served in the armed forces during World War II. After the war, the minor league teams started becoming affiliates of the major league teams for financial reasons. This took some of the local ownership nature of the clubs out of the equation. Baseball began to be televised in the mid-fifties and early 1960’s, which also drove down live attendance at games. The Southern Association closed in 1961, resulting in the Crackers moving to the International League for its last four seasons. Major league baseball was on its way to the Deep South, as Atlanta lobbied both the Kansas City Athletics and the Milwaukee Braves. The Braves would move to Atlanta in time for the 1966 season. Ironically, the Crackers would not play their final season in their longtime home at Ponce de Leon Ballpark, instead playing at the brand-new Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, the future home of the Atlanta Braves. In 1965 Ponce de Leon Ballpark was torn down and replaced by a retail center. The railroad tracks atop the hill have been replaced by the Atlanta Beltline, a recreational trail. All that remains of the ballpark is the lone magnolia tree that stands in center field. When longtime Crackers General Manager Earl Mann died, his ashes were spread at the base of the tree. The Crackers: Early Days of Atlanta Baseball is a terrific read for anyone who loves baseball history or for any native Atlantan.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.58 Bison Dome 4241 E 300 S. Oxford, IN 47971 Benton Central HS Bison Bison Dome website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 3,538 Benton Central; A Sneaky Good Basketball Dome Benton Central Jr-Sr High School opened for the 1968-1969 academic school year as a result of the consolidation of Ambia, Boswell, Earl Park, Fowler, Freeland Park, Montmorenci, Pine Township, Oxford, Otterbein, and Wadena Schools. However, its dome basketball gymnasium wouldn’t be ready until the 1969-1970 season. The Arena Dome, or what I like to call the Bison Dome, held a capacity of 4,000 plus when it opened for the Bison but renovations have reduced the number to 3,538 — good enough for the 90th largest gymnasium in the state of Indiana and large enough to top many other facilities of its kind in the 49 other states in the country. The dome roof and ceiling are the gym’s main focal point and its design is similar to the Raider Dome at Southern Wells High School. Something is interesting about the dome basketball gymnasium and this arena stands out in the small town of Oxford, Indiana, just 30 miles west of Lafayette on SR-52. The gym is what some of us say as being “sneaky good” and there has been a lot of good basketball played here as the boys have captured 15 sectional and 4 regional championships while the girls’ program has won 21 sectional, 11 regional, and 4 semi-state championships along with three appearances in the title game. Food & Beverage 5 There is a lot to enjoy at the concession stand during the game and the selection is so abundant that the Bison became the first high school venue to receive a perfect score. Perhaps it is due to not many restaurants near the school but fans get more than the usual snack foods of hot dogs and popcorn when taking in a game underneath the dome. The gym offers tenderloin sandwiches, coney dogs from Dog and Suds, spicy chicken sandwiches, barbecue sandwiches, chicken strips, and a Bison dog (cheese and barbecue). There are French fries that are covered with chili, barbecue, or cheese. The same adheres to nachos that are also topped with barbecue. For dessert, there is a concession stand on the upper level that sells freshly baked cookies that are two for a dollar. All of these items are offered in $5 combos complete with fries and a 32-ounce Coca-Cola fountain product. There were even a few more items that were blocked off the menu list. Atmosphere 3 The Bison Dome is a visual treat the moment you walk inside its spacious confines and are treated to the classical style gym of its era complete with fresh green and gold paint all over the building. It is a wonder why this gym is not talked about more by the legions of high school fans here in Indiana. The building features one side slightly larger than the other. There is seating on all four sides of the court on both levels and banners from the various school championship teams hang from the rafters. The bottom-level seating features photographs of a few championship-winning sides. The highlight and focal point is the large dome roof that begins its second century of use in 2020. It looks as sharp as it did when it first opened and a touch of fresh paint in 2018 accented the gym’s aesthetics. A framed picture of a bison is hung on the upper-level wall along with a few old-school-looking logos along with the top level. The atrium features trophy cases, a concession stand, ticket booths, and a selection of tables where fans can enjoy their meal before the game or during halftime. The area is modern and was constructed in the late 1970s but features nice stone walls with shades of gray and black. Neighborhood 2 South Benton is located in Oxford, Indiana, near the town of Fowler which is exactly 100 miles between Chicago and Indianapolis. To say that the school is in the middle of nowhere is an understatement, the school is located next to a series of solar power windmills that stretch well past I-65 several miles east of campus. The area is home to a few local places that are recommended before a game. The local establishments include 100 Mile Rib & Chop House and Local Bar in Fowler and Dan Patch Cafe just south in Oxford. The 100 Mile Rib & Chop House features a full-service bar and a separate restaurant offering Angus steaks, ribs, and bone-in pork chops. There is also a home-style menu option for $8.95, weeknight dinner specials, and burgers and sandwiches. RDM Shrimp Farm offers tours of its sustainable shrimp that are raised on-site. Visitors can visit the premise which includes a gift shop and store to purchase shrimp and other products. The Fowler Theater is a 1940s movie theater that shows $6 films in its Art-Deco interior that takes visitors back in time. Lafayette and Purdue University are about 30 miles southeast of the school providing a wealth of restaurants, breweries, and other sights when taking in a game. Fans 3 To be honest, many of the Bison faithful were planning on heading to see the ladies in the semi-state game the next night in LaPorte, Indiana (a few hours north of town). However, the ones who were at their game showed school spirit with various t-shirt designs in the school colors. The light crowd was spirited throughout tonight’s contest and cheered on their hometown boys. Access 4 The gym is located 30 miles away from Lafayette, Indiana along State Road 52. It’s somewhat off the beaten path but not that far enough that one cannot make a simple trip to enjoy basketball at a truly interesting little gymnasium. Once inside the building, the design of the facility makes it easy to circumnavigate the seating bowl to get to your seat and access the bathroom and concession stands. The crowds are never near or at capacity so you have plenty of access to and about during your game. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is $5 for a basketball game and is on par with other gymnasiums in the state. Concession items are also fairly affordable with no menu item being more than $3. There is plenty of parking that is free for the game and the small-town atmosphere makes it highly enjoyable to attend the game at a sneaky good basketball facility here in Hoosier State. Extras 4 The Dome earns a point for its dome architect ceiling and roof–the focal point during a basketball game. There is quite the collegiate feel when watching a game here that is reminiscent of a smaller version of the Mackey Arena at nearby Purdue University. The Dome earns another point for its wide variety of concession items from spicy chicken sandwiches, to Coney, and two freshly baked cookies. They go above and beyond with their food selection. Fans can even enjoy fountain beverages in 16 and 32-ounce cups. The third point is the look of the gym itself from its interior. The colors of green and gold are everywhere from photographs, paintings, and wall art. The curved glass banister also adds a nice little touch to the gymnasium that has a look all its own. The Dome gets a fourth point for the solar windmills that dot the landscape and provide a distinctive backdrop to the school and campus. There are 414 of them located on the Meadow Lake Wind Farm. Final Thoughts The arena gym is not as celebrated as other facilities in the state but one should never overlook this charming and distinctive building set aside the farmlands and solar power mills of Benton County. It is somewhat off the beaten path but not too far to enjoy high school basketball in the state of Indiana. It is a gorgeous facility with plenty of nice touches and concession items. Sometimes, the best places take a bit of drive to get to but are definitely worth the effort. ____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com